Barack Obama

Dems Pounce on McCain Admission He Doesn't Know How Many Houses He Owns

In this Feb. 5, 2008 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., walks down a hallway in his Phoenix home lined with photographs and news clippings about his career. (AP/Stephan Savoia)

Updated 11:30 a.m.By Michael D. Shear and Jonathan Weisman
SEDONA, Ariz.-- Sen. John McCain said in an interview that he did not know how many houses he and his wife own, a comment that Democrats immediately seized on as evidence that the Republican nominee is out of touch with the economic plight of most Americans.

The Democratic National Committee quickly send out a list noting that McCain owns at least seven different residences. That catalogue includes two homes in Phoenix -- one of which is a $4.66 million condominium -- and a $1.94 million vacation complex in Sedona, where he is spending this weekend before the Democratic convention.

He also owns two condos in a Coronado, Calif., building -- worth $2.1 million and $2.7 million -- a $1 million beach flat in La Jolla, Calif., and an $847,800 condo in Arlington, Va.

Democrats pointed out that most homeowners own only one house, worth an average of about $217,000. One Democratic e-mail noted that McCain also disclosed in filings that he also owns a parking lot worth at least $1 million.

"The fact that John McCain can't keep track of how many houses he owns is a telling moment that helps explain why he thinks 'the fundamentals of our economy are strong' and why he's just offering more of the same economic policies that we've gotten from President Bush for the last eight years," said Sen. Barack Obama spokesman's, Hari Sevugan.

On CNN this morning, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine said, "I understand that Senator McCain was asked yesterday this question, 'how many houses do you own?,' and he couldn't answer that question. He couldn't count high enough apparently to even know how many houses he owns."

Obama was stung earlier in the year by McCain charges that he is an elitist because of comments he made about working class voters, and Republicans have tried to cast him as an arugula-eating professor from a yuppie Chicago neighborhood.

Now, Obama is trying to turn the tables.

Democrats also seized last week on comments McCain made during the Saddleback forum. Answering a question from Pastor Rick Warren about what the definition of rich is, McCain said "$5 million," before quickly realizing his mistake.

"I think if you are just talking about income, how about $5 million?" he told Warren. "But seriously, I don't think you can -- I don't think seriously that -- the point is that I'm trying to make here, seriously -- and I'm sure that comment will be distorted -- but the point is that we want to keep people's taxes low and increase revenues."

At least he didn't buy them with corrupt money from indicted felons like Rezko

Posted by: NotYoursweetie | August 21, 2008 6:11 PM

I know how many houses I own,

Posted by: John Houseman | August 21, 2008 5:53 PM

I keep hearing talk about how McCain will continue the failed economic policies of Bush. What failed economic policies? The economy was the best its ever been until 2006 (highest home ownership, lowest inflation, lowest unemployment) during the Republican control of Congress. The common tread was not the President (Clinton or Bush) but Congress. Everyone knows that the budget proposed by the President looks nothing like the budget that's finally approved by Congress. Things did not go south until the Liberals took over Congress. You cannot stimulate an economy by raising taxes....That's a proven fact! When the Liberals took over, everyone anticipated what was coming and the economy slowed down. Spending a trillion dollars securing our nation, repairing New Orleans and fighting the global war on terrorism did take its toll but overall the economy has stayed on the positive side of the line. The sky is not falling as much as the liberals would like us to think so.

Posted by: Joe Moderate | August 21, 2008 5:48 PM

Does anyone know how many homes McCain owned when he was 47?

I don't understand why marrying well is considered a fault this election cycle. We did not consider it a fault with Kerry! The American dream includes the possibility of becoming successful (and marrying the prom queen who owns a beer distributorship). Would you want a president that was unsuccessful? There is nothing noble about being poor. I’m guessing from most of the postings that the far Left must consist of mostly unsuccessful, poor people. My advice to these people is to stay in school, work hard and stop expecting a handout from the rest of us! Even Obama won’t be able to raise taxes enough to make your American dream come true.

At least McCain bought his homes legitimately (be it with his wife's money)instead of receiving them as a bribe from a convicted felon!

Posted by: Joe Moderate | August 21, 2008 5:18 PM

Go Barack!

Posted by: Osama bin Laden | August 21, 2008 5:14 PM

Don not listen to her, we want our brother Obama!

Posted by: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad | August 21, 2008 5:10 PM

We cannot afford to send up Obama as our candidate. Please do our party a favor and nominate me in Denver.

Posted by: Hillary Clinton (D-NY) | August 21, 2008 5:06 PM

I think you forgot a few genius. Pelosi, Reid, Clinton, Kerry, Kennedy, Rangle, Obama. Last time I checked, they were running the Congress.

and when at least 78 million citizens admit having financial problems due to health care / medical bills.

these people will say and do anything to get elected and to keep driving the economy not simply into a ditch, but deeper than the oil well holes that will soon be more expensive than a $5 million dollar house owned by one of mccain's republican rightwing elmer gantrys.

Posted by: No more REPUBLICANS! | August 21, 2008 4:52 PM

Posted by: Alan Combs | August 21, 2008 4:56 PM

and when at least 78 million citizens admit having financial problems due to health care / medical bills.

these people will say and do anything to get elected and to keep driving the economy not simply into a ditch, but deeper than the oil well holes that will soon be more expensive than a $5 million dollar house owned by one of mccain's republican rightwing elmer gantrys.

Posted by: No more REPUBLICANS! | August 21, 2008 4:52 PM

From what I read, the reason McCain didn't answer immediately about how many houses he has, is because he and his wife have numerous real estate investments, and McCain wanted to respond with total accuracy.
Obama and his campaign will latch onto anything they can, and mischaracterize it, in order to discredit McCain. Since Obama is dropping in the polls in all 57 STATES. this empty suit will say, or do anything to win. NOBAMA!!!

Posted by: HOWARD | August 21, 2008 4:33 PM

What is the point of arguing on here?

The left and right will never change each other's minds, so the bickering and name-calling will only make you look foolish if a truly independent, undecided voter were happen to read these comments.

If your candidate cannot be elected based simply on his own merits and his supporters must bash his opponent as well as those that support him, is he really worth leading our country?

So please slow down, take a deep breath, and remember that each person you're attacking on here is part of the America that you believe in so highly and wish to help by voting in you choice.

Posted by: Jason | August 21, 2008 4:08 PM

Anonymous wrote:

I am a middle class white man and I will always support Mr. Obama. I agree with most of his policies.
_________________________

What do you think Obama's policies are?

Is he for FISA - or against it?

Is he for NAFTA - or against it?

Is he for campaign finance reform - or against it?

Is he for offshore drilling - or against it?

Is he for dividing Jerusalem - or against it?

Is he for bringing home the troops immediately - or not?

Obama is quite notorious for telling whatever crowd he's speaking in front of whatever it is they want to hear - and then changing his position later when he gets called on it. What makes you think you know what his position is on anything? He TOLD you so?

Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 3:33 PM

Anonymous wrote:

And Mandelas duties consisted of what? He was a figure head, more of an ambassador then anything else. It does not exactly compare to being the leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world with responsibilities and a stress level off the charts. By the way, Mccain is home today resting.
_______________________________

You have confirmed my theory that Obama's supporters are sorely uninformed.

As the first black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela's policy of reconciliation and negotiation helped lead the transition to multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, he has been widely praised, even by former opponents, and has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

And so if McCain - six years younger than Mandela when he was elected - is resting today. Obama took a week-long vacation to Hawaii last week and five months ago, he took a vacation to St. Thomas.

Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 3:25 PM

I am a middle class white man and I will always support Mr. Obama. I agree with most of his policies and he is a very articulate honest politician. He can't be brought by the dems. That's why the Clintons are tee'd. I will never again support a republican candidate. I have had 8 years of their mess and now I am an Independent and I am very pleased with Obama as an option. McCain reaks with the smell of the Bush administration and he he has shown himself to be a coward. Just look at how he sold his soul to get in good with the conservatives and be used a push petal for the presidency. I think that the republican primary race had been rigged from the git go. They knew that McCain, at the time was more ideal for independents to vote for, not a republican candidate. The republicans assumed the rethugs would get behind McCain once they realized that McFool was actually being controlled by the Republicans. This is why Huckabee is tee'd!! He know what happened...and Ron Paul's group is about to set it off!!

The article talks about Bush's change in policy--that he is not the same President (so to speak) as he was in 2003.

No, not singing his praises; just sharing an interesting article.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 3:17 PM

I came back on a respite from work and found smears being posted about a hero's war record. McCain did not cause the accident on that ship. McCain helped save crew member buy the way he escaped from his plane. McCain had many wounds. McCain down played his condition so that he could go back to the battle. If you smear a good man you will lose. If you don't like the fact that someone is a hero then tough. He is more than just some POW. He suffered for his country.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 3:04 PM

this was in directed at LeeVee. neither mcCain nor obama are incumbents. try paying attention in civics class next time around in 9th grade or 5th grade american history, whichever one it is.

Posted by: reed9474 | August 21, 2008 3:00 PM

It is simple, McBush is out of touch, just like Mr Bush was and still is after 8 yeras. This is mind boggling. Why should we make the same mistake thrice? Are we really that stupid as a nation?
Let it be clear, if we make McBush the next president, then we all deserve whatever befall us in terms of our lives and the "American dream".

Posted by: dave | August 21, 2008 2:55 PM

Ah yes, McCain the war hero, hah!

"The son and grandson of Navy admirals, he attended Annapolis where he did poorly. Nevertheless, he was commissioned as a pilot, where he performed poorly, crashing three planes before he failed to evade a North Vietnamese missile that destroyed his plane."

Posted by: Hero or Zero | August 21, 2008 2:47 PM

I am not a poor white male. I am a middle income white male. I have voted for a black man in the presidential primaries in Texas 2 times. The problem with Barack Obama is not his color, it is his policies. He is a socialist with an agenda to promote socialism in the USA, which happens to be a Republic. If Obama doesn't have a script memorized or in front of him, he can't or won't answer a question. He would make a great network anchorman, but not POTUS.

Posted by: LeeVee | August 21, 2008 2:42 PM

McCain or Obama -- we lose either way. How 'bout finding another candidate or, not voting at all in the election for president. For all other contests, vote against the incumbent, regardless of party. Do this for the next three election cycles until we get the message thru to both parties that we expect them to work TOGETHER to produce fair and effective solutions to our national problems. The moderates MUST control our country and we MUST push the programs of left and right extremists OUT of national politics.
Electing a Democrat or a Republican does nothing but put that party's pigs at the public trough. No solutions, just pillaging the public treasury. Look, no healthcare, no resolution to the energy crisis, no end to drug companies pushing bad drugs, no real progress on anything.
We still cannot respond to natural disasters competently, and our economy is at the mercy of terrorist states. Next economic recovery, oil prices will choke it off again. Mc-Bama will do nothing. The solution is ALWAYS found in the middle ground and neither candidate will even look there.
NEVER VOTE FOR AN INCUMBENT!

Posted by: bgreen2224 | August 21, 2008 2:40 PM

We concur with the previous endorsement.

Posted by: hezballah | August 21, 2008 2:32 PM

"I think -- I'll have my staff get to you," McCain told reporters for the Politico (click here for audio of the interview). "It's condominiums where -- I'll have them get to you."

All about staffs. President relys everythin on staffs. It really does not matter who is the president.

Does he really know anything?

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 2:32 PM

We feel Obama is the better choice for President, we can work with another Muslim brother.

This is what I hate about campaigns - dumba$$ quesitons! This is such a moot question because there is hypocracy on both sides of the aisle. Let's move on to more important questions like compare/contrast of the candidates C.V.'s. (for those of you who don't know C.V. is "Curriculum Vitae" - aka resume of PROVEN and SIGNIFICANT accomplishements and qualifications.)

Posted by: Moss | August 21, 2008 2:26 PM

So, John doesn't know how many homes he owns. Not good.

Barack thinks we have 60 -- maybe 61 states.

Does either know which direction the sun rises in the morning, or do they need to consult one of their experts?

Posted by: Guy Thompto | August 21, 2008 2:26 PM

It cracks me up how so many people posting comments about this completely IRRELEVANT TOPIC are questioning McCain's intelligence when they can't even spell a word like "ought" or "gowing," no wonder this country is in trouble. Dumbocraps have the innate inability to face facts, they make-up their own statistics, and can't spell simple words. Hmmm, I wonder how many homes Teddy K. owns? I bet Idiobama is counting the number of houses he owns right now. It doesn't matter...don't believe the polls, McCain is smoking Idiobama and we'll have another Republican president because political extremist, like many of you here, don't vote...You want to know who votes in droves? Elderly people and the elderly don't like Idiobama for several reasons and they absolutely love McCain because he is a war hero. So, face facts dumbocraps, the race is over before it even began.

Posted by: David | August 21, 2008 2:25 PM

glenn,

you're a poser and exposed for it. I just heard mommy calling you in for lunch, the macaroni and cheese is ready. I hope you wake up in a better mood after your nap

Posted by: Truthteller | August 21, 2008 2:24 PM

My friend, let me tell you a story. I'm filthy rich, clueless, out of touch, old and ready to retire. Be fearless and smart, vote Obama.

Posted by: Glenn | August 21, 2008 2:22 PM

Shane,

Why is it such a big deal not to be able to remember how many houses you own?

Well, coming from Republican bloggers, that's not a very surprising question.

McCain is a trust fund baby. Deal with it.

Posted by: JP | August 21, 2008 2:21 PM

You couldn't remember that you own seven properties? That's not really a big number that's easily forgettable...

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 2:20 PM

McBush: "Some call you the elite, I call you my base."

McCain is such a trust fund baby.

Posted by: JP | August 21, 2008 2:19 PM

seriously, what does McCain Know? We should be looking at this man's character. He doesn't know how many homes he owns!?!?! That's a big red flag; along with the fact that he knows nothing about technology, the internet, e-mail, etc etc.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 2:19 PM

Do Iran, Vietnam and Russia a favor. Vote for McCain. With him who cannot even count houses, the best enemies or competitors of the US can sleep well.

Posted by: Basil | August 21, 2008 2:18 PM

Why is a a negative thing that someone can't remember how many houses they own? Especially if some of them are rentals or investment properties. I certainly couldn't tell someone the details of all my investments. To hold it against someone for doing well for themselves and owning one of the best investments you can make is rediculous. Also, just because someone is rich doesn't mean that can't relate to the poor or middle class. Making a statement like Obama makes about religion and guns is clearly a reflection of his views, but inferring something because someone does well is making a stretch.

Posted by: Shane | August 21, 2008 2:16 PM

I am asking all of you unemployed slacking liberals that are still home living with mommy to get out there and register so you can vote for me. Please act now. And listen, when I say Change, Change, Change I don't want you to think that means you and you have to go and work or something. You can stay here and blog and read the Huffington post all day long still, no need to worry.

How dumb are the people in this country? Some peole say they are voting for McCain because he was locked up for X-number of years. Then if that qualifies him to run this country, maybe we aught to get the lady who was locked up for 25 years by her dad to rule the world. She has more experience than anybody else in this word, except prisoners who have served more than 25 years of life sentence. What a country! Makes Harvard gruaduates look real stupid - they are only in school for, what, four years?

Posted by: Fay M | August 21, 2008 2:03 PM

People don't believe the polls saying the race is close McCain is not even in smelling distance, After 30 years in politics mainly on every committee and having done zilch the only experience he has is pocketing taxpayers money. If he was as good as the republican think he is why didn't they nominate him earlier in his career, we all know that answer because they know that he's not qualify to be Commander and never will be, MY FRIENDS CAN I TELL YOU A STORY, that the only thing he knows how to say.

Posted by: summertime22 | August 21, 2008 1:28 PM

ALEKS, Point of correction. The Dems do not need 67 senators to have a fillibuster- proof senate, all they need is 60 seats. I'm not saying it's certain they are gonna get 60 seats, but it's not out of reach even without "the turn coat Liebermann". DO A LITTLE RESEARCH BEFORE YOU POST COMMENT NEXT TIME. And by the way Mcsame comments showed two things #1. he is way out of touch. i don't know anybody that owns a private jet, seven houses ,who is a son and grandson of Admirals, who wears a $520.00 pair of loafers before Tax, that 's not an elite. point #2 is that he doesn't even remember how many they are. how d'you think you gonna be able to govern the most powerful country in the face of the earth when you are that clueless. is this old age or what?. still some people wanna talk about Obama that just finished paying his loans few years ago as being elitist?.Only in America!!!

Posted by: DON'T BE FOOLED AGAIN! | August 21, 2008 1:27 PM

And Mandelas duties consisted of what? He was a figure head, more of an ambassador then anything else. It does not exactly compare to being the leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world with responsibilities and a stress level off the charts. By the way, Mccain is home today resting.

-----------
On the subject of McCain's age, I'm certainly glad the South Africans weren't as stupid as Obama's supporters are when they elected Nelson Mandela in 1994.

Mandela was 77 when he took office - a full six years older than John McCain is now - and is now, of course, 90 years old.

It's incredible to see people who SAY they're Democrats (the party to which I've belonged for the last 35 years) totally forget their committment to nondiscrimination when it's inconvenient. It's no wonder, however, considering the way their leader forgot his commitment to FISA, to NAFTA, and to campaign finance reform, among countless other things.
Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 1:18 PM

Why don't we asked McCain (his very word) "I KNOW HOW TO WIN A WAR" can somebody please tell me WHAT DANG WAR'S DID MCCAIN WIN AND HOW MANY?

Posted by: summertime22 | August 21, 2008 1:21 PM

Your father is the exception, it is like saying " your father smoked two packs a day all his life and lived to 100" So the conclusion is, smoking is not harmful. The fact is, even your father is not the man he was at 50 or 60 and will not be the man he is today at 75. That is not how the body ages. It ages in a snowball effect as you get older. Mccain by the way is not a good example of aging well. If you see him in person you would be shocked. He looks every year of his age. I saw him in 2004 and saw him recently. He doesn't even look like the same guy in person. TV make up does wonders.

-----------
My father is 73 any he enjoys his retirement. I don't understand why anyone at 72 would not just retire. I guess McCain is just ready to give up and die.

As for age,I would bet you (and I know I would be correct) that my father could whip you in racketball, out argue you in politics, and he has a good 20 years left in him. His resting heart rate is 50bpm and he can swim faster than anyone I have ever seen.

No McCain is not young but at least if he fails in his duties as president then we have a backup. If Obama gets in we are stuck with him!

So, until later I rest.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 1:12 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 1:19 PM

On the subject of McCain's age, I'm certainly glad the South Africans weren't as stupid as Obama's supporters are when they elected Nelson Mandela in 1994.

Mandela was 77 when he took office - a full six years older than John McCain is now - and is now, of course, 90 years old.

It's incredible to see people who SAY they're Democrats (the party to which I've belonged for the last 35 years) totally forget their committment to nondiscrimination when it's inconvenient. It's no wonder, however, considering the way their leader forgot his commitment to FISA, to NAFTA, and to campaign finance reform, among countless other things.

Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 1:18 PM

I own my own jet. There are ways to fly without leaving a carbon footprint. Read P. Frank Stevenson's book "A Fairness Principle" before you go spouting off your talking points.

Obama 2k8 and 2k12!!! Free vaccinations for all!!!

Posted by: TeaJay | August 21, 2008 1:09 PM
-------------------------------
Let me guess you do it by sprouting wings!? That seems to be Obama's 'magic' energy plan. Maybe he is friends with Harry Potter and we will all fly without fuel.

The only vaccination I need is from the BS coming from this guy!

Posted by: tp | August 21, 2008 1:16 PM

The thinking behind McCain's comment is exactly the reason why I left the Republican party. There is a fundamental and disconnect between republicans and 95% of the American people on economic matters. The Republican party today truly believes that what is good for rich people (according to john mccain, over $5M) is good for the country. Whereas the facts show that the average american family hasnt seen an income increase in the recent boom decade. The republican economics are solid fundamentally, but they fail to understand that government needs to serve and promote the interests of all americans. We can't leave people without opportunity. Its unacceptable.

Posted by: FormerRepublican | August 21, 2008 1:14 PM

Are you saying Obama owns a jet? Obama entire net worth could not pay the upkeep on a jet for one year much less buy one.

-----------
None of these guys can relate to the regular American. The Obama spokesman has no room to talk either. How many Americans own their own jet?

Posted by: tp | August 21, 2008 11:00 AM
----------------------------------------
I own my own jet. There are ways to fly without leaving a carbon footprint. Read P. Frank Stevenson's book "A Fairness Principle" before you go spouting off your talking points.

Obama 2k8 and 2k12!!! Free vaccinations for all!!!

Posted by: TeaJay | August 21, 2008 1:09 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 1:12 PM

My father is 73 any he enjoys his retirement. I don't understand why anyone at 72 would not just retire. I guess McCain is just ready to give up and die.

As for age,I would bet you (and I know I would be correct) that my father could whip you in racketball, out argue you in politics, and he has a good 20 years left in him. His resting heart rate is 50bpm and he can swim faster than anyone I have ever seen.

No McCain is not young but at least if he fails in his duties as president then we have a backup. If Obama gets in we are stuck with him!

So, until later I rest.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 1:12 PM

I bet Barack is one racist fugg.

Posted by: Insults? | August 21, 2008 1:10 PM

None of these guys can relate to the regular American. The Obama spokesman has no room to talk either. How many Americans own their own jet?

Posted by: tp | August 21, 2008 11:00 AM
----------------------------------------
I own my own jet. There are ways to fly without leaving a carbon footprint. Read P. Frank Stevenson's book "A Fairness Principle" before you go spouting off your talking points.

Obama 2k8 and 2k12!!! Free vaccinations for all!!!

Posted by: TeaJay | August 21, 2008 1:09 PM

Anonymous

I guess you don't take advice; you just give it. The fact that you said I was an "idiot" doesn't reflect on me--just you.

If you want to go through life so angry then do so. I only think you need a time out to reflect. I can't force you to reflect; I can only suggest.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 1:06 PM

A leading expert on geriatric medicine was asked "What is the chances John Mccain is losing mental functions"? The answer was 100% it would be the same answer for anyone his age. At his age you age one ages exponential. In other words, the difference between a person of say 45 and the same person of say 50 will not even be noticeable. At John Mccains age you will see changes in little more then months. If you have a grandmother or grandfather in that age bracket you see say once a year you know exactly what I mean. I can't in my wildest imagination see Mccain if elected making it through the first term.

----------
Look, folks, McCain is 72. SEVEN YEARS PAST RETIREMENT age.
We cannot put someone who should have already retired, in charge of this country. He can't even keep the location of foreign countries straight, or the difference between sunni and shia. He gets confused. It's nothing against McCain. We all get old--but most people retain the sense to know they shouldn't run for president.

Posted by: jds | August 21, 2008 12:48 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 1:05 PM

"so? How many does Kennedy have? There are so many wealthy dems & reps, why does this matter? World war 111 might be looming. Lets get the guy with experience,and the respect of the other nations into office, so we can feel safe. Would you really feel safe with Obama?? I would not!"

Safe with Obama? YESSSSSS!! Terrified of McCain, sincerely, in office after Bush. McCain ran before, but I've not seen what has been updated in his both his judgment AND knowledge since the last time he ran. He's got experience, longer than Obama's time served, but that's all. Time length of "experience" is not guaranteed to give someone judgment. A person can serve a long time and still not have necessary judgment needed. I honestly believe Obama has better judgment compared to McCain on the issues. Obama is also more independent on acquiring knowledge, first and foremost, before he gets filled in on other information by his would be advisors. McCain would be more solely dependent. Obama came in with ideas, education, a clue of issues going on around us right here in this country and our citizens overseas, etc...and what appears to be the will to do something about it. McCain came in with lack of knowledge, compared to Obama, and initially the lack of will to take action against the very issues many here would like to see a change from.

"as long as McCain's next house isn't the White House..." I agree with that statement and I'll say no more on this subject.

Posted by: Obama2008 | August 21, 2008 1:03 PM

Spectator2

Just grab one of McCains homes?? Look, the reason people are losing homes is the love of money. The bank offered second mortgages and no principle loans. The second mortgage was to make up for the lack of a down payment.

Listen, if you can save enough for a down payment then you don't have any business buying that particular home. If you play on buying a home with a no principal loan with the idea to sell quick then you are speculating on your own residence. People in this country are responsible for most of their own troubles.

YES, most definately the credit card companies are very responsible as well--just look at these checks they send out to pay off your other debt. I know how these all work--very crooked. You get a high interest rate on a recurring balance. So, what is the solution?

In this country, the solution seems to be that the banks end up giving breaks on the debt when someone says "poor me, I signed the bottom line and now I can't understand my high interest rate or my payment on a house not worth as much as when I bought it."

Now, if you are layed off, I really feel for you. But...if you think I want to bail you out if you were one of those greedy ones then you are wrong. If I was in charge the best I could do for you is to let you rent that house you are in. You certainly should not get to ever own it!

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 1:00 PM

Megadonx, I guess you're directing your post at me so here you go. I don't think a fireman would start a fire playing around, put it out and then plays the hero role. So to answer you, McCstank isn't a hero, he's a zero and your comments to his affirmative just let us ALL know that you're an idiot and your meaningless posts reflect your meaningless life.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:58 PM

I know you just want to be clever but I am afraid many experts privately say they believe Mccain is in an early stage of Alzheimer''s. His new facial tic is not a good sign at all.

-------
The sad thing is that a President McCain in the early stages of Alzheimers would still make a stronger and better leader than Barak Obama.

Posted by: Lynn | August 21, 2008 12:47 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:57 PM

Unless McCain is a slave-owner, he does not own seven residents. Perhaps he owns seven residences?

Posted by: Dan | August 21, 2008 12:44 PM

That does raise the question of which side McCain did support in the American Civil War.

Posted by: Aleks | August 21, 2008 12:50 PM

McCain did support the flying of the Confederate battle flag...

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:56 PM

Campaign Diaries ? It is run by some guy out of his apartment who reads blogs like this. I hope you aren't depending on that for information.

McCain consitenly votes against troops and veteran's and he questions OBAMA'S support for the troops?

A man who wrote in his own book that he wanted to becaome president not out of some noble purpose buit because it "became his ambition" attacks OBAMA'S ambition?

Now we find that the man who calls OBAMA an elitist has 7 homes, the cheapaest of which costs roughly 4 times what the average American's 1 house does.

McCain's is going negative in a big way and yet his attacks are on issues where he himself is much worse than Obama. What's sad is that people are actually buying it.

Posted by: Dave from Seattle | August 21, 2008 12:53 PM

D Rodriguez, I was going to give you your TARD sign also but I have to answer your questions. We wouldn't even make him owning a thousand homes an issue if HE DIDNT MAKE IT A POINT by calling Obama an Elitest! So although you don't actually get a sign, one is being made in case you say something like the rest of these loser repukelicans here. John McCain isn't a hero, sorry but and this isn't to sound mean but being a P.O.W doesn't qualify you to be president! Especially when he boasts that he knows how to win wars! HOW MR MCCSTANK? All you know how to do is get shot down! Oh did I forget to mention that he blew up over 100 of his crew on the USS Forestal! YEAH WHAT A GUY! HE KILLED HIS OWN CREW!

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:51 PM

Unless McCain is a slave-owner, he does not own seven residents. Perhaps he owns seven residences?

Posted by: Dan | August 21, 2008 12:44 PM

That does raise the question of which side McCain did support in the American Civil War.

Posted by: Aleks | August 21, 2008 12:50 PM

Mc Cain clearly is a kept husband how shall he know how many houses he has. His millionaire wife is the one in charge of the money in this household.

Posted by: Jake | August 21, 2008 12:48 PM

Megadonx,

Is your post directed at me? Your post is so convoluted i don't even know what you were trying to say. Who said "gowing"? I didn't.

What i wrote, 8 posts down, is, "McCain is just going senile." I'll assume your post was directed at someone else, since it wasn't applicable to anything I wrote.

Look, folks, McCain is 72. SEVEN YEARS PAST RETIREMENT age.
We cannot put someone who should have already retired, in charge of this country. He can't even keep the location of foreign countries straight, or the difference between sunni and shia. He gets confused. It's nothing against McCain. We all get old--but most people retain the sense to know they shouldn't run for president.

Posted by: jds | August 21, 2008 12:48 PM

Meantime what the Democrats should really be doing is to work to get veto proof majorities in Congress. Stop blowing our moneys and efforts on loser Obama!

Posted by: William | August 21, 2008 11:40 AM

Why can't these people handle simple math? The Democrats have 51 Senators, including Lieberman. There's no way they're going to get to 67 in this election. I know that IQ tests and literacy tests and such have been abused in the past, but couldn't we require at least a FOURTH GRADE education?

Posted by: Aleks | August 21, 2008 12:47 PM

The sad thing is that a President McCain in the early stages of Alzheimers would still make a stronger and better leader than Barak Obama.

Posted by: Lynn | August 21, 2008 12:47 PM

OH MY GOD, Are you serious? Please read below...

And at least McCain cares about giving an accurate answer. With the state of affairs the country's in now, I think HONESTY is what people want the most. It's what Obama promised - and, unfortunately, what he has repeatedly failed to deliver

I can't believe to crap that some of you people truly believe. McCain honest? give me a break. You don't have to keep your head in the sand to see what's going on. McCain takes money from corrupt lobbyist and you call Obama dishonest. You will only see your candidate in the most positive light in spite of the facts. Typical Republican....

Gina said, "Bah! Anyone could have made that mistake... Now lets move along and allow Mccain to get back to calling Obama an elitist."

Anyone could have made that mistake? Are you serious? LOL, LOL, LOL, LOL. I can only laugh at this response. No need to write anything else.

Posted by: Eros Wong | August 21, 2008 12:44 PM

Oh, how I long for an arugula-eating professorial-type president.

Posted by: January | August 21, 2008 12:44 PM

Unless McCain is a slave-owner, he does not own seven residents. Perhaps he owns seven residences?

Posted by: Dan | August 21, 2008 12:44 PM

Tough to slander Clinton, the truth is more then enough.

----------
"Oh you can't? That's right, the Internet is where gutless cowards can say what they'd be sued for libel or slander for in the real world."
Yeah true.Thats why Obama folks/your kind at Kos/Huffpost etc are walking free after slandering the Clintons endlessly.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:39 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:44 PM

Anonymous

SO how do you pick a hero anyways? Are the firemen that went up the towers heros? I can state they are but you might find out one of them smoked drugs at some point in his life. For whatever McCain did in that plane in those conditions you can only prove you are able to type a few keys.

We all know that the most heroic are often not perfect people but people who do extraordinary things. Sometimes they are just driving a truck and never even fired their weapon but they are still doing something extraordinary.

So if you want to be obtuse you have succeeded. We are subjective people with human opinions and we have a right to each individually decide who our heros are. There is no arguement sufficient to convert a hero. There is just no wisdom in your posting. Go somewhere quiet and waste you time--not ours.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 12:43 PM

Your right, that is what he should have said. All it takes to get this dimwit off message is to throw a question at him he doesn't have a stock answer for. He may be the most carefully managed candidate I have ever seen. They just want to make it through November and see what happens without him screwing everything up on them. Every day they are having to defend his stupid actions or comments. I don't think he has a brain in his head anymore.

-----------
it was kind of a "gotcha" question--framed as a simple "number" answer when the reality is probably more complicated. no one who invests in real estate stops buying and selling properties--he's probably buying more than selling right now with the market the way it is, so who knows what the number is.

he should have said, "we have several investment properties, and because i'm travelling between DC and AZ, I have a condo in VA. Cindy and I share a home in X, and we vacation in Y. I have several mortgages, so I know how difficult it is for some people to keep up with the payments. We've "been blessed" with good fortune, and my economic policies as president will help other americans achieve their dreams."

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:35 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:42 PM

"I heard he has over 9000 homes. Over 9000!!!!" -Anonymous

I heard it on the internet, therefore it must be true. Perfect logic. Good job anon, I'm convinced now.

Posted by: NickoBellick | August 21, 2008 12:42 PM

Watching McCain speak is torture. Does that make me qualified to be president?

Posted by: drew | August 21, 2008 12:41 PM

"Oh you can't? That's right, the Internet is where gutless cowards can say what they'd be sued for libel or slander for in the real world."
Yeah true.Thats why Obama folks/your kind at Kos/Huffpost etc are walking free after slandering the Clintons endlessly.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:39 PM

AS LONG AS HIS NEXT HOME IS THE MANORHOUSE AND NOT THE WHITEHOUSE, THEN WHO CARES HOW MANY OTHER HOMES MCCAIN OWNS!

Posted by: benighse | August 21, 2008 12:38 PM

John Mccains seemingly new problem.

Have any of you noticed the new facial tic that Mccain has developed with his eyes. He opens them widely then draws his chin down to his chest. These are not good signs especially when the there is already speculation as to his mental well being. If I had a family member who all of a sudden developed something like this I would be very concerned and have them evaluated quickly. If by some chance Mccain is elected, He will not serve his first term out. He may not make it through the first year. He is deteriorating exponentially as would be expected of a man of his age. Just look back only one year. There are plenty of clips of him to analyze. Do your own research, you don't need some blog or talking head to tell you what to think.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:35 PM

My husband is an army officer. We have a home, but we don't have to move around like others do. If we had multiple homes, WE SURE WILL remember how many homes we have; talk about recording payments.

Now, did McCain buy all or most of these homes (how about a single one), with his military earned money? Among other concepts, we believe in being responsible with our money and you know saving. We would NOT forget how many homes we owned, if we were in the position (and we have no desire or justification to do so).

Posted by: Obama2008 | August 21, 2008 12:35 PM

it was kind of a "gotcha" question--framed as a simple "number" answer when the reality is probably more complicated. no one who invests in real estate stops buying and selling properties--he's probably buying more than selling right now with the market the way it is, so who knows what the number is.

he should have said, "we have several investment properties, and because i'm travelling between DC and AZ, I have a condo in VA. Cindy and I share a home in X, and we vacation in Y. I have several mortgages, so I know how difficult it is for some people to keep up with the payments. We've "been blessed" with good fortune, and my economic policies as president will help other americans achieve their dreams."

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:35 PM

It's not about the number of houses he owns, it's about the fact that he doesn't know how many he owns. If he doesn't know how many homes he owns, how is John McCain going to know what to do for our economy? He can't keep his own equity in memory, let alone the country's.

Posted by: Brian K. | August 21, 2008 12:34 PM

Hey Marine wife, here is your TARD sign! What you said didn't make a bit of sense! What do you mean you move around and might have property here and there! ARE ANY OF THEM WORTH 2.5 MILLION? I'm a vet and I will tell you, sometimes it's better to be thought of as an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. In your case, ALL DOUBT HAS BEEN REMOVED! TARD!

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:34 PM

The McCain's earned their money the old fashioned way.
THEY INHERITED IT!

Posted by: JakeD's shadow | August 21, 2008 12:32 PM

Advice for all Americans losing their homes: Just grab one of McCain's. He won't miss it.

Posted by: Spectator2 | August 21, 2008 12:32 PM

I heard he has over 9000 homes. Over 9000!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:31 PM

John McCain's many homes bring work for many illegal immigrants in this country. He's doing all he can for the economy.

Posted by: JakeD's shadow | August 21, 2008 12:31 PM

B O R I N G!!! Is this all you got??? Come on, some REAL news, please? Are we soon going to take inventory of their closets and pantries.

John Kerry and his wife were uber wealthy. There are plenty of super rich democrats as well as republicans.

Anyone who thinks most people who run for political office are "average" or regular in their assets or their investments, is nuts. The Clintons were "poor" by most standards and it got them into a heap of problems for pandering to folks who could pay for stuff for them. Then, once out of office, they both made MILLIONS writing books and doing speaking engagements.

Come on, already. Are we going to demonize people for being wealthy now? It isn't like they made their money illegally.

Give it a rest!!!!!

Posted by: D. Rodriguez | August 21, 2008 12:31 PM

"Thats still family property and not Rezkos bribe."

Oh really? Perhaps you can point us to the indictment of Obama for accepting a bribe.

Oh you can't? That's right, the Internet is where gutless cowards can say what they'd be sued for libel or slander for in the real world.

Posted by: Spectator2 | August 21, 2008 12:30 PM

This is the point! The point is people want someone in the White House who they can relate too. Know don't get me wrong, I know quite a few people who are not suffering at all in these tring times. However, the majority of the American people are feeling the pinch. People are loosing their homes everyday, struggling to stay ahead.

I am not personally jealous or envious of anyone who happens to be living large. I think that it's great! However, when you have a substantial amount of money in the bank, people tend to become out of touch with the average person.

John McCain has had some advantage in life and his career. His father and grandfather were Admirals for Christ sake. I am quite sure any father would make sure that his son gets ahead of the game with a little pull here and there. It happens all the time.
Then you have his marraige with Cindy, he entered into a lifestyle that benefitted him tremendously. (can u see it now).

You know have Obama who also has had some blessings in his life. Attending excellent schools, living in exotic places. He excelled. He could have had any top paying job in corporate America. Obam chose not too and traveled to the hard streets of the South side of Chicago.

Just looking at the differences betweent he too. I feel that I personally want a president I can relate too. Obama might not have all of the answers to everybody questions. Obama might not satisfy everyones on persnal values 100%.
When I look at Obama I see a man that is genuinely trying to understand the American people as a whole (not just the top1%), and how we as a country can work together to accomplish what we all want.

When I look at McCain, I see a man that is trying to rule the world. I see a man that talks about war, the surge, not leaving until victory is won. Every speech and story is about his POW years, 30 years ago. What have you done lately?

I am really afraid that McCain is going to get into office and start acting like PINKY and THE BRAIN! Pushing all kinds of buttons, starting the draft over and making every serve the military. Men, women and children. Until we win victory! When will it end.
McCain has been trying to become President for over 8 years. He's almost 72 years old, I question his ambtion. I also question his experience.

Why is his military records sealed? Does anyone know?

Posted by: Ronda | August 21, 2008 12:30 PM

Way to distract Americans from WHAT THE POLITICIANS WOULD DO ABOUT FORECLOSURES, which affect the houses of REGULAR PEOPLE.

Most politicians who run for President are RICH, therefore, the # of houses they have is IRRELEVANT, just like what discount they got to get those houses is irrelevant.

POLITICIANS GET PERKS.

What matters is what they propose to do about the houses people in this country are losing.

DO NOT ALLOW THE MEDIA TO DISTRACT YOU.

Posted by: HGG | August 21, 2008 12:30 PM

jds

"gowing senile" I assure you if he was going senile the press would let you know. After all they are very interested in the truth. They would love to let you know and will let you know as soon as they have the proof.

We will get back to you. Until then try to listen to your doctor.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 12:30 PM

How many houses he owns may not be obvious to him. There are properties in community property states [Arizona & California] and in separate property jurisdictions as well; he's married for the second time and he and Cindy have a prenuptial - which is common in 2nd marriages where the husband and wife each have children from an earlier marriage. He's been married long enough that he probably doesn't dwell on what is strictly hers vs. his -- and maybe he's not concerned about it. After all, he's got bigger issues upon which to dwell. Is there anything wrong in being focused on others or with thinking about things bigger than oneself and what one owns?

Posted by: jwm80 | August 21, 2008 12:30 PM

How many houses he owns may not be obvious to him. There are properties in community property states [Arizona & California] and in separate property jurisdictions as well; he's married for the second time and he and Cindy have a prenuptial - which is common in 2nd marriages where the husband and wife each have children from an earlier marriage. He's been married long enough that he probably doesn't dwell on what is strictly hers vs. his -- and maybe he's not concerned about it. After all, he's got bigger issues upon which to dwell. Is there anything wrong in being focused on others or with thinking about things bigger than oneself and what one owns?

Posted by: jwm80 | August 21, 2008 12:29 PM

I think the contributor who suggested that McCain knows how many houses he owns is on to something here. The answer was embarrassing for someone pretending to be a man of the people so he pretended not to know.
It's really part of a narrative that should be part of this campaign--that while Mr. McCain is the senior citizen in this campaign that Obama is the adult. For all his so-called gravitas McCain seems like a child in the way he views the world and acts. He has a tendency to throw tantrums. He has this honor code that involves patriotism towards country, but not fidelity towards family. His talk of how we must win shows a lack of understanding of how wars actually are concluded; even in WW 2 we compromised and left Japan's emperor in place, to think that we will leave a democratic ally in Iraq is fanciful at best and delusional at worst and pretty much childish in view of how complex the situation is.

Posted by: Thomas Fiore | August 21, 2008 12:29 PM

THIS IS THE GUY YOU STUID REPUKLICANS WANT AS PRESIDENT?
:McCain crashed 5 jets, plus was responsible for the Forrestal fire. Something made the plane behind McCain fire a rocket, which hit McCain's external center fuel tank, and caused a fire. McCain panicked, and dropped two bombs into the fire.
Surviving crewmen of the USS Forestal and those who investigated the Forrestal fire case reported that McCain deliberately 'wet-started' his A-4E Skyhawk to shake up the guy in the F-4 Phantom behind his plane.
'Wet-starts', done either deliberately (the starter motor switch allowed kerosene to pool in the engine and give a wet start) or accidentally, shoot a large flame from the tail of the aircraft.'Wet starting' was a common practice among young 'hot-dog' pilots.
In McCain's case, the 'wet-start''cooked off' and launched the M34 Zuni rocket from the rear F-4 that punctured the Skyhawk's fueltank, knocked the M-65 1000 lb bomb off it's 500 lb rated mount, and touched off the explosions and massive fire.

When the carrier Oriskany came along side, and McCain was put in a chopper and whisked away. McCain was the only Forrestal crewman to be immediately transferred .I have a hunch McCain left for his own safety, because the crew wanted blood.

Now thats the straight talk express .

All you repukelicans, this is your hero!!! LOLOLOLOL TARDS!

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:28 PM

I am NOT a McCain supporter, but who cares if he doen't know how many houses he owns? He doesn't owe us anything and neither does Obama...this county has been lead by very rich people...so what's the big deal?

Posted by: Tom California | August 21, 2008 12:06 PM

Tom,

Good question. So yes, what is the big deal? The big deal is that the Right, including right wing radio, Fox News, the RNC, and the McCain campaign has systematically attacked and used smear tactics to paint Obama as an "elitist" when in all actually, when all is said and done, McCain is much more of an elitist than Obama ever has been. Its the give and take of dirty politics (ala Karl Rove) playing out here that you're seeing, nothing else.

Posted by: who cares? I do | August 21, 2008 12:28 PM

A Theist

Just what makes you so miserable?

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 12:27 PM

McCain's wife owns a few of the homes, maybe that was the confusion. What is the issue here? Has he done anything illegal in his homes? I wish people would focus on REAL issues and not all this crap and fluff. Who cares if Cindy McCain has two half-sisters she doesn't know or care to know? Who cares how many homes the McCains own and if they are in Cindy's name or his name or owned jointly. All of this gossip needs to end.

Posted by: D. Rodriguez | August 21, 2008 12:26 PM

McCain is just going senile. It's not his fault.

Posted by: jds | August 21, 2008 12:26 PM

It would be my guess that McSturgis doesn't know how many houses he owns, because he probably doesn't own any.

His wife controls the greenbacks, and there is a prenup, so if his name is on more than one, I will be surprised.

It is interesting, though. You would think he would have more respect for women.

Posted by: Susan | August 21, 2008 12:26 PM

John Georgian McCain does own any houses. His wife does. Or more precisely, his wife bought them. McCain lives on neediness of his wife.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:25 PM

Is it so inconcievable that he doesn't take a large part in his wife's financial dealings?

Posted by: aaron | August 21, 2008 12:24 PM

Jeff

Neither side is brainwashed we just started down different paths with different outlooks from different families.

This country does, admittedly, need two things I can think of offhand: Limited terms and a new election method encouraging something more than a 2 party system.

We may choose to disagree about our candidates because the media coverage of is so polarized. We only have two real choices every election.

Just think, what is the most common complaint? Everyone says "Great ...I get [ to choose ] either this [jerk] or that [jerk]." At least the McCain "jerk" sounds like he is my choice. I can only count on what I read and what sound bites I hear. I guess if that makes me stupid I still am better off than someone who states "Americans are suckers...stupid...etc." It is those people that are too fed-up, stopped participating constuctively in their own government and need some gentle reminders.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 12:23 PM

I wish that that more than half of Americans were not below average but alas, it seems again that the ignorant rule.

Posted by: A Theist | August 21, 2008 12:21 PM

"McCain may own many houses but I am sure that not even one of those houses were brought with freebies from a slum landlord sitting in a jail now."
Correct. They were all "brought" with freebies he obtained when he dumped his first wife and married his current wife, who in turn obtained them via inheritance from her rich father after she turned him against his two other daughters.
^
Thats still family property and not Rezkos bribe.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:20 PM

No, but in John Mccains case it makes him a hypocrite. Is he an elitist? To quote his wife she doesn't see how people get around without a private jet. Yea, they really identify with the American people.

----------
What many posters here seem to be missing is that being rich doesn't make you an elitist.

I spent many hours speaking with a man who made a living as a milk man 50 years ago. His favorite stories were about rich people he delivered milk to and how they treated him like he was no different from them. He admired them more than anyone else he talked about.

Rich people are generally admired as long as they don't treat people like inferiors. To paint McCain as an elitist will require more than just pointing out his wealth.

They need to show that he thinks he's better than your average American or the elitist label will never stick.

Posted by: Stephen | August 21, 2008 12:12 PM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:19 PM

Scott F. writes:

Obama did not put down his race on his application to Harvard Law School. He was accepted on his scholastic achievement and LSAT scores. If your going to use his race as reason for his acceptance into the top-tier college, please get your facts straight.
____________________________

Very clever twisting of what was actually said. I'm sure you'd make David Axelrod (the Obama campaign's Karl Rove) very proud.

What I stated had nothing whatsoever to do with Obama's admission to HARVARD LAW SCHOOL.

What I said was that, despite the availability of the benefits of affirmative action and graduating from an elite preparatory high school, Obama was not admitted to an Ivy League institution.

After graduating from an elite prep school - and despite the availability of the benefits of affirmative action - Obama attended OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE IN LOS ANGELES - a very nice school but not an Ivy League institution or a university on par with Annapolis.

After attending Occidental, Obama later went on to attend Columbia, from which he earned his undergraduate degree. It was only several years after that that he was admitted to Harvard Law School.

So, as I said, it appears that both McCain and Obama had to grow into their potential through their subsequent life experiences.

And while McCain got his post-collegiate education at the very elite and tony Hanoi Hilton, where the quality of the torture was second to none, Obama got his post-collegiate education at Columbia and Harvard. These are obviously tough schools and true character builders, populated as they are with "the smartest guys in the room" - including George W. Bush who, along with Obama, also attended graduate school at Harvard.

Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 12:18 PM

Kevin, perhaps you should pick a book on critical thinking and find out what a strawman arguement is.

It's a logical fallacy that argues that the other person is wrong based on a position that the other person did not take.

In the instance of this thread, you are arguing that everyone in the political game is rich, therefore the position taken against McCain is invalid.

The line of argument has more to do with McCain's attempts to paint Obama as elitist.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:18 PM

The John McCain who calls Barak Obama an elitist is the same John McCain who thinks the term "rich" means earning more than $5M and having so many homes that you have lost count. America will surely be ruined if another dumb president is elected who relinquishes power to a ruthless VP.

Posted by: Tom Tee | August 21, 2008 12:18 PM

"I'll have my staff get back to you on how many houses my rich second wife owns. (She needs a lot of medicine cabinets, you know.)"

Posted by: Terry Carroll | August 21, 2008 12:18 PM

How dare you criticize McCain? He was a POW! And he's a Republican! And if he is successful enough to own 7 homes, that is a sign of his genius and that God loves him. Obama, despite having just one house and one wife, is clearly the elitist because, well, because McCain says so. If you persist in criticizing McCain then you obviously hate America, want the terrorists to win, and deserve a cell in Gitmo. Even if McCain is a war-mongering senile old man, we can't afford to give Obama a chance, right America?

Posted by: Vincent F | August 21, 2008 12:17 PM

Wesley Clark was absolutely right. Spending 5 1/2 years as a POW does not qualify anyone to be anything. John McCain was in a class of 899 at Annapolis. And 893 finished ahead of him. The truth of the matter is that he was a show-off and a hot dog because his father was an Admiral and he knew he could get away with it.

He was "hot-dogging" when he got into his jet aboard the USS Forestal and "accidentally" turned the key on and the ensuing flames set off a torpedo that killed over 120 of his crewman. Fortunately for him, he was able to get an immediate transfer to another carrier and just a few weeks later was shot down over Hanoi. That was the his fifth and final plane that he crashed.

He was one of those hot-dog pilots that liked to freak out his fellow crewman by turning on the key burning off the excess fuel that would leak down. In this one instance, he was almost killed himself. He had to crawl out of his jet and down the nosecone to escape. It was the largest death toll for the US Navy in the entire Vietnam War, in one incident.

There. You want the truth about John McCain. He was a spoiled son of an Admiral who knew he could get away with murder. He is not qualified to be President. He is reckless and dangerous and volatile. Vote for him at your own risk.

Posted by: kralford | August 21, 2008 12:17 PM

Bet he didn't buy any of them with a sleazy deal from a scumbag buddy like Rezko.

Posted by: LarryG62 | August 21, 2008 12:17 PM

Can someone explain the whole "arugala-eating" thing? It's like "Oh no! He eats a type of lettuce that is common in many restaurants!" The stuff is delicious and not particularly expensive, why wouldn't he eat it?

Maybe if he was drinking Kopi Luwak coffee or something really extravagant, then there would be something to talk about.

Posted by: Rob | August 21, 2008 12:17 PM

I am glad that McCain was not concentrating on any of his wifes(who probably bought these houses-no big deal she is a rich woman) business deals while he was busy serving the public.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:17 PM

1. Skated through to the naval academy and graduated at the bottom of his class.

2. Cheated on his wife.

3. Left the crippled wife to marry the young heiress.

4. Political favors for Keating.

5. Flip flopped on every major position from 2000 (abortion, taxes, immigration).

6. Thinks middle class is $5,000,000

7. Can't remember the difference between sunni and shia.

8. Can't remember how many homes he owns.

9. Thinks we're better off today than 4 years ago.

And this is the guy we're thinking about electing to the presidency?

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:16 PM

Marine wife, what on earth are you talking about. So what military move every couple of years, and yes, I am an expert, my husband is a retired SGM, USA, 25+ years. I still know the extent of my wealth and property. You made absolutely no sense. The point "My Friends" (as McSane says) he his not the average joe blow as he likes to pretend, and if elected his compassion and goals will be aimed (like Bushie) at the elite and very rich.

Posted by: SD | August 21, 2008 12:16 PM

Hey Wayne:

It was a reporter that asked the question. Not Obama's people. I know you hate it when reporters actually start to do some reporting.

It was McCain's people that went to the "elitist, out of touch" line of campaigning. People in glass houses (how many... I cannot count) ought to be careful what stones they start throwing.

Posted by: Prattle in Seattle | August 21, 2008 12:14 PM

How Many of the properties does he live in vs. rent out and hold as investment properties. What should also be disclosed is the original purchase cost. These places could have been bought low and held to reach their current value.

Posted by: NYC rez | August 21, 2008 12:14 PM

"McCain may own many houses but I am sure that not even one of those houses were brought with freebies from a slum landlord sitting in a jail now."

Correct. They were all "brought" with freebies he obtained when he dumped his first wife and married his current wife, who in turn obtained them via inheritance from her rich father after she turned him against his two other daughters.

Posted by: Spectator2 | August 21, 2008 12:14 PM

The same Mccain

People don't change, Since they were married he has just lived off his wife like he did his family when he was young. Even his political career was bought for him. He has "NEVER" in his life personally created, built, or accomplished anything on his own. If he had been born into the circumstances of Obama he would have just lived a life on welfare and died of drugs and alcohol. Hell, he has already spent most of his life as an alcoholic as it is. Please, tell me what business he has built or anything he has ever accomplished on his own? Even with no responsibilities, no pressures and everything being paid for, the best he could do in school was to finish 896 out of a class of 899. My God, you can;t want this man for your president. Wake up. he wasn't even smart enough to raise the money to run for president with out his wife giving him an allowance. Jesus H Christ, step back and look at this man you want to vote for, is there something wrong with you people.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:12 PM

What many posters here seem to be missing is that being rich doesn't make you an elitist.

I spent many hours speaking with a man who made a living as a milk man 50 years ago. His favorite stories were about rich people he delivered milk to and how they treated him like he was no different from them. He admired them more than anyone else he talked about.

Rich people are generally admired as long as they don't treat people like inferiors. To paint McCain as an elitist will require more than just pointing out his wealth.

They need to show that he thinks he's better than your average American or the elitist label will never stick.

Posted by: Stephen | August 21, 2008 12:12 PM

One word: Elitist

Posted by: freshbrains | August 21, 2008 12:11 PM

"I am NOT a McCain supporter, but who cares if he does't know how many houses he owns? He doesn't owe us anything and neither does Obama...this county has been lead by very rich people...so what's the big deal?
Posted by: Tom California | August 21, 2008 12:06 PM "

I totally agree...it seems we love to jump on just about anything with the candidates...oh my god, he parted his hair on the other side this morning "FLIP FLOPPER"!! It's just pathetic school yard drama...how old are we again?

Posted by: Mike | August 21, 2008 12:11 PM

MarineWife - so how many of those condos did John acquire as a "military officer"?

None. His (2nd) wife bought them.

Posted by: On the fence | August 21, 2008 12:10 PM

And now there is another story out there about McCain's fishy financing. "John McCain, author of much of the federal campaign finance law that requires disclosure of donors, apparently is not insisting on timely transparency by some committees he's raising money through." The snoozing MSM is finally waking up to the fact that there is someone running against Obama in this race.

Posted by: PJ | August 21, 2008 12:09 PM

democritus

So, someone without the same experience means they "can't." A priest can't refer to marriage because they "just don't have any idea?" An unmarried Teacher has no idea what to say to parents? I person who has never lost anyone can not say or do anything to comfort someone who has lost a loved one? To have empathy you are required to have the same circumstances?

Sounds very dim to me. Very few people look at things exactly the same way and that is what is what makes for great possibilities both bad and good. At least we know that McCain won in Arizona by 70%; can't say the same for Obama Chicago political crime syndicate. McCain will look out for me much better than Obama will. I may not like the two party system (I did not vote for McCain in the primary) but I could never vote for Obama. I am more concerned with what he does and says than his ownership of homes or his riches. Everyday I learn disturbing things about him, his voting record and his views. I could never give him my vote.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 12:07 PM

I am NOT a McCain supporter, but who cares if he doen't know how many houses he owns? He doesn't owe us anything and neither does Obama...this county has been lead by very rich people...so what's the big deal?

Posted by: Tom California | August 21, 2008 12:06 PM

McCain may own many houses but I am sure that not even one of those houses were brought with freebies from a slum landlord sitting in a jail now.

Posted by: J | August 21, 2008 12:05 PM

Here's the problem with America. No matter what facts are presented, people will decide to either:
1) Not have an open mind and to see things as they are
2) Cherry pick what they want to support their already made up opinion.
What a bunch of brainwashed losers

Posted by: Jeff | August 21, 2008 12:05 PM

I heard through the grapevine that McCain actually passed away from natural causes a couple weeks ago and that what we are seeing in the media is computer generated graphics and in person it is actually the head of Exxon with heavy prosthetics and make up lip synching to pre recorded sound bites.

Posted by: Brian K. | August 21, 2008 12:05 PM

McCain doesn't know how many houses he and his wife own.
He thinks you're not rich unless you make $5,000,000 a year.
He thinks the economy is doing well.
Everybody who agrees with him should vote for him.

Posted by: Frank Palmer | August 21, 2008 12:05 PM

OH FOR PETE'S SAKE, PEOPLE! How many of you are military officers? We move every TWO years! We buy, we sell, maybe keep a condo, rent it out - after 20 years...I have to stop and think myself- is it 1? 2? 3? What if I inherit my dad's house? My husband and I were both married before and had homes - but we make about $100K per year. Nice try, jerks.

Posted by: MarineWife | August 21, 2008 12:05 PM

If McCain was good enough for John Kerry to seriously consider selecting McCain for his own VP in 2004, then how can democrats be opposed now? Democrats are not opposed to McCain, only the extreme left wing is opposed to McCain.

Obama sat in a church for 20 years and claims he never heard racist or sexist comments from Rev. Wright..........so either his brain does not function correctly or Obama is dishonest.

VOTING McCAIN 2008 and HILLARY 2012

Posted by: realdemocrat | August 21, 2008 12:04 PM

Come on Johnny get mad, get real mad. We wanna see you blow. Better now than when you could actually push the button.

Posted by: PJ | August 21, 2008 12:04 PM

Jinx...

So, you and others are voting for McCain because he got shot down? Well...that's an interesting criteria for deciding on a president, I must say.

Posted by: Mr L | August 21, 2008 12:03 PM

McCain knows how many houses he owns but was embarrassed to say it.

I agree with the earlier poster that when there's a slightly awkward fact, you have to just state the facts, look the questioner straight in the eye, and live with it. As noted above, John Kerry married a wealthy woman and owns more homes as a direct result of that fact, just like McCain's situation. When asked about it back in 2004, Kerry simply told the questioner how many homes they owned. Not exactly a testament to him as a self-made man, or a poltical plus, but an honest answer to a simple question. McCain should have had the spine to do the same.

Posted by: Fairfax Voter | August 21, 2008 10:52 AM

The difference, of course, that Kerry wasn't running his campaign primarily on the idea that he was a common man and his opponent was an "elitist" who didn't know and didn't care about average working people.

I like the comments from the "straw-man" Anonymous guy. He is even using the slang wrong. "Straw Man"? Obama is always attacking straw men instead of giving real answers to real issues. "uh,uh,uh,uh that's above my pay grade" doesn't cut it. The whole undertone of the article is that McCain is so rich he doesn't even know how mnay homes he owns. I would assume that this guy is a Democrat, and all Democrats think there is a problem with being rich. And if you are rich you should give most of it to the government so that it can be handed to other people who think they deserve your money.

Posted by: Kevin | August 21, 2008 12:01 PM

McCain is of the ruling-class and he will protect ruling-class interests, not the interests of the everyman. McCain cannot be trusted. If you’re a working-class person who cares about keeping a roof over his head, you’d better do yourself a favor and vote for Obama.

Posted by: Hilary Smith | August 21, 2008 12:01 PM

Anonymous posted:
"Those same people frequently fail to mention that Barack Obama, despite graduating from an elite prep school and being afforded the significant benefit of affirmative action with respect to university admissions, COULDN'T EVEN GET INTO an Ivy League school. And this despite the fact that both of his parents held PhDs and his father was a graduate of Harvard!"

-- WHERE do you get your information.

Barack Obama got a BA from Columbia University, an Ivy League school.

He later went to Harvard Law School, an Ivy League school and often considered the second-best law school to the much smaller Yale Law School.

While at Harvard Law, he made the Harvard Law Review based on his grades and a writing competition. He was then elected president of the Law Review (as the first black president of the Harvard Law Review). He graduated with a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law.

Sorry, your claim about affirmative action does not help somebody make Law Review or graduate magna cum laude.

Posted by: Curious | August 21, 2008 12:01 PM

I have NO problem with rich people, other than what plenty do (or lack doing) with their status.

I have no desire to have that status. I'm rich in a humble fashion.

I'm just amazed at McCain's stances (and political patterns of behavior) along with his status that's all...

with his status, I know McCain can do better...

Posted by: Obama2008 | August 21, 2008 12:00 PM

"Here's the difference: AMNESTY-JOHN and his wife paid for their homes with their own money."

Yeah, John McCain made his money the hard way. He married it.

And Cindy made her money an even harder way. She inherited it, turning her father against her sisters in order to do so.

It's time for the 527's to realize that it is THEIR country, too, and to ignore Obama's request to stifle their free speech. This stuff -- the houses, Cindy's half-sisters ignored by her since their father's death -- this has GOT to come out.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 12:00 PM

John McCain did not earn his own wealth, he cheated on his first wife to marry Cindy to get her inherited wealth.

John McCain did not earn his way through the Naval Academy or earn his way into a military commission, instead this lackluster failure was given his position because he is the son and grandson of admirals.

John McCain, like George W. Bush before him, is the perfect example of affirmative action for white people. Of course he is out of touch with the rest of ordinary Americans, he has always had someone else give him a handout and never had to work to secure a safe life for himself or his family.

It should surprise no one that McCain does not know how many houses he owns, he doesn't pay his taxes on time, he cheated on his wives, and his only claim to achievement is being shot down over Vietnam 40 years ago.

This mediocrity wouldn't be given the position of dog catcher in most towns in America. Why exactly are we considering him for president of the United States?

Posted by: deedee | August 21, 2008 11:59 AM

The truly sad part about this it that the two candidates are now pandering to the greed instincts of the voting populace. Both are promising peace/bread/land without of any pain or consequences. What happened to the Maverick of politics? What happened to Mr Progressive? Blech! Is Ron Paul still in this...?

Oh look! A Chicken!

Posted by: Barry McBain | August 21, 2008 11:58 AM

so? How many does Kennedy have? There are so many wealthy dems & reps, why does this matter? World war 111 might be looming. Lets get the guy with experience,and the respect of the other nations into office, so we can feel safe. Would you really feel safe with Obama?? I would not!

Posted by: pamela | August 21, 2008 11:58 AM

How amazing that McCain:
1) Doesnt know how many houses he has got!
2) Didnt know that his wife Cindy was a drug addict for years
3) Do know about an Iraqi Pakistani border!!!
4) Does know that he is a war Hero and he has never objected to it but never mentioned that he was a PoW in Vietnam for 5 years in a comfortable cell thanks to admitting that he is the son of an Admiral!
5) At 71 years of age, Amnesia is one step ahead of McCain.

All those media that are quiet deliberately about the weknesses of McCain and are supporting him to be the next Commander in Chief are playing with fire and the future of the country. Shame on them!

Posted by: Nouri | August 21, 2008 11:57 AM

I don't know how many houses McCain owns, but I do know he spent 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton and that's why he's getting my vote.

Posted by: Jinx | August 21, 2008 11:55 AM

Seems to me, $4.6 million would buy the entire STATE of Arizona.

Posted by: Eve | August 21, 2008 11:55 AM

The McCain camp responds:

“Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from vacation on a private beach in Hawaii and bought his own million-dollar mansion with the help of a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses? Does a guy who worries about the price of arugula and thinks regular people “cling” to guns and religion in the face of economic hardship really want to have a debate about who’s in touch with regular Americans?

“The reality is that Barack Obama’s plans to raise taxes and opposition to producing more energy here at home as gas prices skyrocket show he’s completely out of touch with the concerns of average Americans.”

Obama..........................the elite stubborn One"

Posted by: Allen Ridge | August 21, 2008 11:54 AM

It is truly amusing watching how the neocons try to turn this around to something to do with Obama. McCain doesn't know how many houses he owns. Fact! That is the story. Why is important? Because the working people in America who are trying to hang on to the one house they own want a president who feels their pain. John McCain is not that man.

Posted by: CDGainesville | August 21, 2008 11:54 AM

This is really stupid. When I was a kid my parents owned a lot of homes and large apartment buildings and some townhouses and some condos. When my friends came over they would seee the keys hanging on a rack going down to the basement. THey said "Oh, you are rich..." and called me "Richie Rich.."

So, my parents were never worth a million dollars, those properties were what created a retirement and they were an incredible amount of work. I was no different than any other kids and we never got spoiled . I never knew how many properties we owned. I was just glad my parents were smart. No, they were never rich and they mix with all the other middle American friends of theirs.

I think the fact that McCain doesn't care how many properties just means his priorities are probably his job as a politician.

It will be interesting to see how much Obama forget about himself and his own business as his very short history of inexperience comes out.

Posted by: Megadonx | August 21, 2008 11:54 AM

In response to Obama = Putin's post :"We do not elect and pay Senators and Congressmen and Governors and Mayors and other public servants to remember what they own or do not own, we pay them to WORK".
---
Of course we pay them to work, and that work consists of representing our best interests.

Not knowing how many houses you own either means you live a life which is completely out of touch with that of the average American, or you have serious memory issues possibly due to senility.

Being out of touch with the average American means you are not in the position to determine what is in the best interest of the majority. Furthermore, it means your own interests are at variance with those of the majority.

Who's the best judge of whether a shoe fits? The shoemaker, or the person wearing the shoe?

If our representative does not know what its like to walk in our shoes, how can they determine what we need?

My point is, a good politician knows his people as well as he knows his field.

An elitist is unable to make the best decision because, as honed as his expertise may be, he lacks the knowledge of what people actually go through.

Posted by: democritus | August 21, 2008 11:53 AM

cmon - friends - both of them are rich.

its all about neo-conservatice forces trying to keep the oval office in their hands - and the only way they can push mccain is to point out his militaristic point of view and ability to tak firm with foreign countries like russia. DOESNT IT SEEM STRANGE THAT GEORGIAN ATTACK ON OSSETIA STARTED roughly before presidential campain is getting to its high??? doesnt it seem to be perfectly directed from white house? osaama an iraq are not HOT issues now.... people are tired of them... they needed something fresh and they needed an enemy fo mccain - and hey - RUSSIA seems to be perfect for this role. let the weapon that US supplies georgia for last couple of years start working and achieving its mission... politics is dirty... please - THINK before making your choice... think about all that propaganda that is being fed to you by white house... and make a right choice!

Posted by: Both of them are rich | August 21, 2008 11:51 AM

I left out the part where Mccain was drunk most of the time there. Want affirmative action? In Mccains case it was called DADDY. John Mccain would have never gotten in to the academy. He would have been drafted and in the real army like everyone else. He hid out there when he was not in the least qualified then went to flight school when he had no qualifications. Affirmative action, John Mccains whole life has been affirmative action. If he had been born into Obamas circumstances he would have lived a life on welfare as an alcoholic and druggie and probably be dead by now. Mccain is a failure who has been supported his whole life.

-----------
I am so sick of people referring to John McCain as graduating 5th from the bottom of his class at Annapolis. Annapolis is a far tougher school than any Ivy League university.

Those same people frequently fail to mention that Barack Obama, despite graduating from an elite prep school and being afforded the significant benefit of affirmative action with respect to university admissions, COULDN'T EVEN GET INTO an Ivy League school. And this despite the fact that both of his parents held PhDs and his father was a graduate of Harvard!

Perhaps both Obama and McCain needed a little life experience before reaching their full potential. Obama got his experience at the elite universities he subsequently attended, while McCain got his at the Hanoi Hilton.

And while Obama enjoyed the financial patronage of Chicago pols and their international buddies (at least two of whom are either indicted or wanted by Interpol), McCain enjoyed the financial patronage of his wife, whose father made his fortune selling beer.
Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 11:41 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:50 AM

Dems want to redistribute wealth and anyone with lots of wealth is made to look like an enemy of the state. This is more of the same marxist class warfare nonsense. Such a weak attack, it's kind of hilarious.

Posted by: Jack | August 21, 2008 11:49 AM

what does it matter, how many homes this man owns... hes doing well for himself...why hate???

Posted by: anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:49 AM

Democratic policies have never supported wealth generation for the poor. They support gov't subsidized poverty.

This comment is so false that it screams of "don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain." Republicans never supported the poor at all. They subsidized the rich like big oil companies, just to make them richer. While Democrats want to subsidize education. Let's not forget that it was Bill Clinton that reformed welfare.

All hail the coming of Obamassiah.....he has ALL the answers....so did David Koresh and Jim Jones.........go ahead drink the cool-aid....don't cry my child, all is well, all is well......sleep my child, sleep, all of your troubles will fade.....

It's comments like this one that is "fool" of falsehood and outright lies that shed light on the Republican mindset. Comparing Obama to Jim Jones...give me a break. You don't care about the issues. Obama wants us all work together to solve our common problems. I guess ignorance has a place in politics.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:48 AM

Funny...no, sad really. Judging from these posts, it's respectable to be wealthy, but it's elitist to be intelligent.

We're not a nation of whiners, we're a nation of morons. The bush admin was successful in one thing...the total dumbing down of america.

Posted by: jb | August 21, 2008 11:48 AM

Is Obama so devoid of creative ideas that he is reduced to counting the McCain's homes and real estate investments and trying to spin them into an issue? Good grief.

Posted by: Wayne | August 21, 2008 11:48 AM

Obama did not put down his race on his application to Harvard Law School. He was accepted on his scholastic achievement and LSAT scores. If your going to use his race as reason for his acceptance into the top-tier college, please get your facts straight.

Posted by: Scott F. | August 21, 2008 11:46 AM

"Now, Obama is trying to turn the tables."

Why did you choose to use the word "trying"? Obama turned them. Apparently so fast that you didn't even see it happen.

Is this an example of the elitist liberal journalism?

I doubt you would use the word "trying" if you were talking about McCain and his efforts, which would be completely wrong for exactly the same reason. McCain can not disprove his own elitism and wealth. No one can, not even our pathetic excuse of a mainstream press.

Posted by: Terris Linenbach | August 21, 2008 11:45 AM

And to the idiot who said McCain should stop mentioning his experience as a POW -- excuse me?! That is the whole point, EXPERIENCE, of which Obama has zero, zip, zilch, nada.

Speaking of idiots...please enlighten us all on exactly what "experience" being a pow brings? I'm amazed that there's those still gullible enough to believe that hooey. Look beyond the shiny object, there's a pile of slime. Judgement is what matters and mccain has exercised poor judgement since the start. His "experience" is fraudulent. He's not the solution, he's part of the problem. I understand why you posted this anonymously.

Posted by: jb | August 21, 2008 11:43 AM

This is not news. Good grief. Russia wants to start WWIII and the Washington Post thinks that John McCain not knowing how many houses his wife owns is news???!!!?? You all are so not in touch with reality.

Posted by: Caili | August 21, 2008 11:43 AM

Given his wartime experiences as a POW in Vietnam, Sen. John McCain was by default the most powerful and influential member of the Select Committee. Members on both sides of the aisle deferred to his judgment; reporters hung on his every pronouncement. And so when McCain, his chief of staff Mark Salter and their allies on the Select Committee joined forces with top Bush administration officials to assail, ridicule, attack, discredit, photoshop, retouch, manipulate, massage and/or "cherry-pick" the intelligence in order to destroy its intelligence value and keep the matter of live POWs from becoming an issue in the 1992 election, the live POWs never had a chance.

How McCain and Salter and the others went about doing this is a case study in how powerful government officials can manipulate intelligence to make it say what they want it to say - and the main reason we believe that John McCain must not be Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces.

During that spring and summer of 1992, McCain and the other members of the committee were briefed on some 925 HUMINT reports the investigators had deemed plausible, credible. These intelligence reports were some of the several thousand reports the U.S. government had received from human sources who testified they had personally observed or had been told or had otherwise learned about American servicemen in captivity after Operation Homecoming. Many of the reports corroborated one another as to location, time and circumstance, e.g., independent sources repeatedly reported seeing American POWs being held in the same area; in the same town or village, and/or at the exact same prison at the same time or over a period of time - and, of course, absent IMINT and/or SIGINT, corroboration by independent human sources is the best lie detector ever devised by man. But what did McCain and Salter make of this crucial intelligence? Not one of these reports of American POWs held prisoner after Operation Homecoming was credible, they loudly declared; instead, all 925 sources were either (1) lying, or (2) confused about what he or she had actually seen. Not one report, McCain and Salter declared, related to American POWs trapped in Indochina after Operation Homecoming.

The SIGINT - the half-dozen or so postwar intercepts of secret Pathet Lao radio transmissions where the PL were heard describing how, when, where and/or why they were holding and/or moving American POWs from one point to another inside their country - got the same treatment. When analyzed carefully by committee intelligence investigators and cross-checked with the HUMINT, it was clear these postwar radio intercepts alone collectively described the confinement and/or movement of well over 100 American POWs inside Laos. McCain's and Salter's ruling? Same as with the POWs described in the HUMINT, "nothing to any of it. All radio intercepts are false."

Finally came the IMINT - the priceless postwar satellite images showing missing pilots' names, their official secret four-digit authenticators, secret USAF/USN escape and evasion (E&E) codes given to them and/or other "I'm alive, get me the hell out of here" messages our men had laid out on the ground in hopes U.S. spy satellites would image their plea and rescue forces would be dispatched - and the similar, shocking result. A missing USAF flight officer's name along with a valid USAF/USN escape and evasion code imaged in a field adjacent to a prison in northern Vietnam on June 5, 1992 - photoshopped right out of the image, disappeared, gone! Nineteen four-digit authenticators matching those of missing airmen imaged in rice paddies along Route 4 in northern Laos - similarly photoshopped right out of the satellite image! The name of another USAF pilot and four digit number laid out beside a jungle road in northern Laos - "naturally occurring shadows on the ground," they said. A valid E&E code followed by the four-digit authenticator of another USAF flight officer in a field adjacent to a prison in northern Vietnam - "natural shadings in the field … not man-made intentional signals." The letters "USA," each 12 feet tall and together stretching over 37 feet across, and below them a huge 24 foot tall by 19 feet across valid secret USAF/USN E&E code imaged in a rice paddy in northern Laos - "a young Laotian boy's handiwork that he had copied off an envelope," McCain and Salter "explained" in McCain's 2002 memoir Worth the Fighting For. And on and on it went.

(See two versions of map of Indochina showing the 925 postwar HUMINT reports [pins color-coded by DOI] and how they cluster and corroborate one another, and the postwar SIGINT and IMINT hits [yellow squares] at http://www.thepowerhour.com/news3/maps_bill_hendon.htm). Also see An Enormous Crime, cover photo and Chapter 31, "1992, The Fragging."

John McCain could have saved these men but chose not to. For that reason - and because one can photoshop pleas for help out of desert sand and/or rocky, mountain terrain just as easily as one can photoshop them out of jungle terrain, fields and rice paddies - he must not be accorded the highest and most sacred of all honors - that of serving as Commander-in-Chief of America's armed forces.

McCain has been attempting to tag Obama as an elitist/celebrity when in fact he is the epitome of an elitist. This statement should be replayed again and again in states where foreclosure are higher than the National norm.

Posted by: Scott F. | August 21, 2008 11:42 AM

I am so sick of people referring to John McCain as graduating 5th from the bottom of his class at Annapolis. Annapolis is a far tougher school than any Ivy League university.

Those same people frequently fail to mention that Barack Obama, despite graduating from an elite prep school and being afforded the significant benefit of affirmative action with respect to university admissions, COULDN'T EVEN GET INTO an Ivy League school. And this despite the fact that both of his parents held PhDs and his father was a graduate of Harvard!

Perhaps both Obama and McCain needed a little life experience before reaching their full potential. Obama got his experience at the elite universities he subsequently attended, while McCain got his at the Hanoi Hilton.

And while Obama enjoyed the financial patronage of Chicago pols and their international buddies (at least two of whom are either indicted or wanted by Interpol), McCain enjoyed the financial patronage of his wife, whose father made his fortune selling beer.

Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 11:41 AM

Grist for the ad mill.

Picture of Obamas' home in Hyde Park.

"This is the Obamas' home"

Picture of McCain (Hensley?) home in Phoenix:

"This is the McCains' home."

Sedona

"And this is the McCains' home."

LaJolla

"And this is the McCains' home."

Ditto down the line.

Finish with McCain saying he doesn't know how many homes they have.

Final "And they say OBAMA is the elitist?"

I don't care how many millions Obama has made from his book, how many the Clintons have made, etc. etc.

We have discovered that it is not "truth" or "nuance" that moves the voters. It is short sound bites/easy to understand pictures.

Particularly those "working class whites" have to see that McCain is NOT like them.

Posted by: RealCalGal | August 21, 2008 11:41 AM

"Hey PhauxPa,

You said "I don't think I want my country to be lead by someone who owns one house valued at $217K. I'd expect anyone who is capable of leading the country to be a true leader and, as such, has the knowledge and ability to invest wisely, to increase his/her holdings, and to generally improve his/her lot in life ... that's the "American dream" afterall. So ... owning several homes indicates to me that the person is motivated, driven, and a strong leader. To suggest that only a person who's home ownership is average would be the best leader of our country is ridiculous ... now, let's move on to the real issues ... thanks."

You said it so well. That is what I was trying to say, but you put it very eloquently.

Right on!"

Or, just dump your first wife and marry a very rich woman. It's simple, simon!

Posted by: Spectator2 | August 21, 2008 11:41 AM

Are Obama and his cronies so desperate that the only issue they have is how many homes McCain owns?

Obviously Obama feels the cold wind of defeat coming in Novemeber. How far will the man of the "new" politics and "change" and "hope" go in his desperation. We'll see in the next 70 days.

Meantime what the Democrats should really be doing is to work to get veto proof majorities in Congress. Stop blowing our moneys and efforts on loser Obama!

Posted by: William | August 21, 2008 11:40 AM

.
Here's the difference: AMNESTY-JOHN and his wife paid for their homes with their own money.

Hussein got his mansion via a deal with sleazy lobbyist, slum landlord, and pal Tony Rezko, who is now a convicted felon. There have been numerous shady real estate deals between hussein and Rezko - including the lot next to hussein's Chicago mansion that was purchased by Rezko, then sold to hussein at a bargain-basement price. The Los Angeles Times reported that it had found that Rezko and his associates had given hussein "more than $200,000 in donations since 1995."

/

Posted by: ALEX H. | August 21, 2008 11:39 AM

That is all he has and much of that is in question. Mccain is suspected to actually be a traitor by many who were POW with him. Do a little research. Ask him what he received his medals for. Really, ask him, he can't answer.

---------
And to the idiot who said McCain should stop mentioning his experience as a POW -- excuse me?! That is the whole point, EXPERIENCE, of which Obama has zero, zip, zilch, nada. Why should McCain not mention his time as a POW? It shaped the person he is today, it demonstrates his character and his perseverance. It's not McCain's doing that Obama has no

experience of his own to site and fall back on. It's not McCain's choices that put Obama's voting record to the extreme left of even an avowed socialist, Bernard Sanders of VT (and by the by, how is someone so far to an extreme supposed to bring people together? Once again, only one person has experience reaching across the aisle, and it isn't BO). It's not McCain that makes Obama stutter and falter whenever he is without a teleprompter. Obama manages to be an empty suit all on his own.

Posted by: MP | August 21, 2008 11:24 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:39 AM

I love how the Washing Post cleans up McCain's gaffe by making the article mostly about Obama. What percentage of people do NOT know how many homes they own? Have your crack investigative staff get back to us on that... if you can get them off of their knees.

Posted by: Crempole Stalwart | August 21, 2008 11:39 AM

Jim V.: "Why are libs so relentless in punishing someone for being successful and or lucky? It's the USA, land of opportunity!! Get out and get your own and quit crying about!! Geez, simple jealously."

If success is measured by the wealth you obtained by cheating on your wife who waited for 5 years while you were in a Hanoi prison and became disfigured in an auto accident, then divorcing her to marry the woman you were cheating with, who was a multimillionaire and 25 years younger, well, that may be opportunity to a republican slimeball but not to most Americans. Most Americans call it being a gold digging scumball.

As for being "lucky"? No one has that kind of luck. McCain worked to get it by cheating on his wife and targeting a young heiress for her wealth. But whatever makes you a profit must be good, right republicans?

I guess if I didn't want anyone to know who was making the stupid comments, I'd sign myself as "Anonymous" too.

Posted by: Luke | August 21, 2008 11:37 AM

Again, Kevin with the straw-man arguement.

No one is claiming there is a problem with being rich, so stop making that claim.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:36 AM

It always surprises me how many commentors call the "patriot card." Does calling someone "unpatriotic" make you a real US citizen? A True Patriot?
I am under the impression that this country is for everyone. Not just the shallow, flag-waving, blind, ingnorant, 9/11-calling, POW-calling, Uncle Sam-huggers. Your way is not the only way to love your country. We live within a complex national identity. Embrace THAT and call yourself a PATRIOT! Or is that too scary?

Posted by: drew | August 21, 2008 11:36 AM

Dude, his campaign was bankrupt at one point. He's never struggled financially (father and grandfather were rich Navy Admirals) and seems to think an ATM card is some "new fangled" idea, so don't blame Cindy. Now, he can't tell you how many houses he has? Is that someone you want managing the country's fiscal future during a point in our history which may sometime soon to be found to mimic that of the Greatest Depression of all time???

Posted by: changingfaces | August 21, 2008 11:36 AM

Don't kid yourselves. Obama has millions, the Clintons have millions , and McCain has millions. They are all rich. 1) I know quite a few people who have lost their homes. They make $30,000 a year and bought $200,000 homes. What's wrong with this picture. 2) Gas has gone up. It cost me $10.00 more at the pump a week to fill up. That's roughly $40 extra month. I go out one less time, with my family of four, a month. No big deal. 3) I make sure that my skill sets are diverse enough that if one door closes I can open another so that I don't constantly have to worry about a job. Even if I do lose my job I don't live above my means so the impact would be minimal. 4) Rich does not bother me. I would like to be rich , and in America I can be if I wanted it badly enough, unlike many other communist and socialist countries. 5) I don't want someone giving me something I didn't work for. And I certainly don't want to support anyone who is not willing to work, and think the government constantly owes them something. 6) I am not fooled by people who can talk a good game, but do not show how they are going to get any of their promises done. I don't need another $1000 incentive from Obama. I need taxes cut! I don't want my taxes raised to pay for more govenment programs!

Posted by: Kevin | August 21, 2008 11:35 AM

Nice straw-man arguement Nobama.

No one is claiming it's a crime to be wealthy, only YOU said that.

The arguement is that MCain is a hypocrite for calling Obama elitist.

I doubt you will touch that comment with facts.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:35 AM

Again you need to write in Cindy Mccain then. John is nothing more then a moron who lives off her. She bought him his career.
Lets face it John "Mr 894 out of 899 in his class" Mccain is an idiot and has been all his life.
-------
Heaven forbid a man own more property than he can count. Perhaps thats the sign of a good businessperson, someone who allows others to manage his assets. I don't want a redneck with a nickel to his name running this country. If people are upset because they think McCain is "out of touch" with the common man, maybe they should try to elevate their own standing, and stop trying to tear down the wealthy. I only make $30,000 a year in law enforcement. But you better believe I don't intend to work thirty years and retire making $45,000 a year. That's ignorance. Perhaps the american people should replace their jealousy with inspiration.

Posted by: kprttenn | August 21, 2008 11:17 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:35 AM

Former Congressmen Warn Troops: As Senator He Abandoned American POWs Trapped in Indochina; as President He'll Abandon You

Obviously you can not read and you will not answer legitimate questions.

Any one with basic intelligence knows Obama is self made and McCain is a gold digger.

Where do you get you facts from?

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:33 AM

"I think this has as much weight as the elder Bush vs the checkout scanner fiasco back in '92."

Ah, the famous Bush-checkout-scanner myth. This one never dies.

GHWB was being shown a new type of scanner that could read ripped or separated bar codes. The guy showing it to him was proud and excited about it. GHWB did what every politician does when dealing with the public: feigned interest. At best he was mildly impressed with a technology that had been around for decades. (It's not like GHWB was a luddite; he was the head of the CIA!) But he didn't want the guy to think that he was aloof or bored when he was clearly excited about his new scanner, so he showed interest.

Posted by: AK | August 21, 2008 11:32 AM

Oh by the way, wikipedia is a REALLY good way to get accurate information. HAHAHAHA.

Posted by: Nobama | August 21, 2008 11:32 AM

I'm not sure this will hurt McCain at all. People who aren't rich are often the same kind of people who love to watch soap operas and worship celebrities. These people don't look at someone with his own plane and a financial holdings situation so complex he can't easily make statements about it and think,
"I just can't identify with this guy."
Instead they are much more likely to be envious of his success and want to see more of him.
The Obama team would need to do some serious spin to turn this into something significant.

Calling him fogey ain't gonna cut it.

Posted by: Stephen | August 21, 2008 11:32 AM

Awww, poor wittle Republcans have to LIE in every breath.

Fearmonger much?

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:31 AM

You have to be kidding me...since when is it a crime to be insanely wealthy. Oh, right, since democrats decided they want their slice of the pie for free.

Posted by: Nobama | August 21, 2008 11:31 AM

Her father's business and political contacts helped gain her husband a foothold into Arizona politics; with her wealth from an expired trust from her parents providing significant loans to the campaign.

I'm not going to vote based on McCain not knowing how many homes he has. But.....

McCain, what do you MEAN you don't know how many homes you have? A simple: 1, 2, or 3 maybe? You have that many homes that you can't even begin to attempt to count them? It is nice to know you are doing well. Surely you're not occupying all of those homes (that you have no idea of how many you have), so why don't you go ahead and let people who are about to lose their homes, have the ones you rarely use (obviously you don't remember how many of them exists so you may as well give them up). Also, since you're doing QUITE WELL, obviously, start fighting for equal pay (you know so that people aren't getting under paid for the same level and experience of duties performed).

This makes NO sense. WaPo, if you must take interest in this subject, ask his wife how many homes they have. This is mind boggling. How this man can have all of these benefits, and still take some of the stances that he has is so mind boggling for me...unbelievable!

I wonder how many homes Obama has.

Posted by: Obama2008 | August 21, 2008 11:30 AM

Who cares how many houses the guy has...Most of you miss the point of the article. Either he didn't remember because he is senile, or he didn't care to disclose it because it will show everyday people that he really isn't one of us. I have had more than one house at a time, but I remember exactly how many I had because I had to struggle to pay the mortgage and taxes as well as collect the rent. If I had 100 Million in the bank you bet your bottom dollar that I would feel and act elitist. But to claim that your opponent is elitist when he has 10 times the money and five times the number of houses just elucidates that fact that he will say anything to get elected and paint his opponent is the most negative light. To all you pro McCain people who were never gonna vote for Obama simply because he is black (and white), deep down McCain scares you. He will send all of your precious children to war for a cause that had nothing to do with Americas National Security and more to do with his insane idea of shoot first and ask questions later. Let's not talk about how many houses he has or doesn't have, the price of his shoes. He will not get my children to fight his stupid wars.

Posted by: No McInsane for president | August 21, 2008 11:29 AM

It's one thing to make blunders like this, it's another for the Obama camp to play it up and make the blunder common knowledge. Should they do this.....I think this has as much weight as the elder Bush vs the checkout scanner fiasco back in '92.

Posted by: TJ Rodgers | August 21, 2008 11:28 AM

America....please vote for the career politician who spent 30 years washington making so much money that he forgot how many homes he owns. I wonder how many of those homes were paid for by the oil lobby.

Posted by: playa | August 21, 2008 11:28 AM

McCain needs to get in touch here. His "campaign" is his weakest crutch and that doesn't work well for an old-timer without a clue. What is McCain's appeal? He's worthless!

Posted by: Realist | August 21, 2008 11:28 AM

Cindy McCain made John McCain he was nothing until he dumped his wife married Cindy and Cindy's wealthy family made John McCain a senator. Check the facts, the wealthy Hensley made him a senator.

Posted by: Bo | August 21, 2008 11:28 AM

Then you better write in Cindy Mccain because she is the only brains in the family and bought John Mccain his political career. John Mccain himself is a loser who hasn't accomplished a thing on his own in his life. First he was taken care of by his family than his wife, He is a self made nothing.

----------
I don't think I want my country to be lead by someone who owns one house valued at $217K. I'd expect anyone who is capable of leading the country to be a true leader and, as such, has the knowledge and ability to invest wisely, to increase his/her holdings, and to generally improve his/her lot in life ... that's the "American dream" afterall. So ... owning several homes indicates to me that the person is motivated, driven, and a strong leader. To suggest that only a person who's home ownership is average would be the best leader of our country is ridiculous ... now, let's move on to the real issues ... thanks.

Posted by: PhauxPa | August 21, 2008 11:10 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:27 AM

Elitism isn't about how much money you have, it's your attitude towards others because you believe you are better than them.

You can get a beer and a burger at McCain's barbecues, while at Barack's you'd get tofu burgers, whole wheat buns, and organic wheat-grass energy drinks (if the Whole Foods store was open).

Barack is an elitist by his attitude and actions. McCain is rich - so what? Barack makes millions off his book. His wife's salary went from $160k to $350k shortly after he became a senator.

Neither understand what it's like to scrimp for gas money. But I'll take a CinC with military and foreign affairs experience - that's the main job. Leave domestic affairs to the states.

Posted by: dave | August 21, 2008 11:27 AM

Republicans forget (read: ignore) the fact that McCain called Obama an elitist...while he can't remember how many house he owns and thinks that less than one-tenth of 1 percent of America is rich.

Maybe their little minds don't have the abilitiy to comprehend hypocrisy.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:27 AM

To all of you who have commented that Americans should not be "abhorring" John McCain's wealth, but rather look at his "good business" model as an inspiration, you're completely missing the point of this line of attack. A smart business person would not only know how many homes he owns, he would also be able to quote their projected value. The reason this situation shows that he is "out of touch" is not because he is wealthy: the average American doesn't look at Warren Buffet as out of touch and he is, without argument, a better business man than McCain. The difference lies in the way they treat money. Buffet, despite his wealth, has never stopped treating money as something he could lose at any moment. McCain obviously has, based off of his statement and the addition of the fact that he was revealed to be in excess of 300k dollars in credit card debt. If McCain was responsible in the way he managed his and his wife's wealth, this wouldn't be such an issue.

Posted by: James Hardaway | August 21, 2008 11:27 AM

The very attitude little games like these evoke is childish. It's always been, regardless of how much we'd like to call ourselves adults, the attitudes we 'share' (if you can call it that) on so-called 'serious issues' are thinly masked with big words and self-righteous speeches, speaking on behalf of, of course, the nation.

Load of bull. Truth is, very few people who make it into such positions of power ever had any real understanding of the average American.

Considering the state we're in right now, it's up to society to pull itself out of the gutter, and not depend on a system that has proven flawed, and slow to fix as things continue to spiral downward. Especially when such people would endorse the use of phrases like "flip-floppers".

Our people are dying in a foreign nation, and here we've got these political 'big shots' calling each other out like kids, all the while the real serious world issues become blurred as headlines update to inform people that there 'political heroes' are arguing over how much they have/own.

Who the hell cares? How many people have died in world conflicts this year alone? You see it on the news all the time, it's become a daily ritual. That's just sick, and just what the hell are you doing about it to stop it?

Posted by: Drown me slowly | August 21, 2008 11:27 AM

The truth about John "Songbird" McCain...

Graduating at the very bottom of his class at the Naval Academy, John McCain did not meet the qualifications to become a naval aviator. His admiral father pulled some strings and he was admitted into the elite air corps. But it soon became apparent that McCain was not a very good aviator. He destroyed five planes in preventable accidents, including one when aboard the USS Forrestal which killed 134 sailors. Shortly thereafter, after just several combat missions, McCain was shot down over Hanoi because he flew too low in violation of orders.

According to U.S. News & World Report (May 14, 1973), John McCain didn't wait long before offering military information to the North Vietnamese in return for medical care initially, and later, whiskey and prostitutes. Quote from a fellow POW: "He was never tortured...The Vietnamese Communists called him Songbird, that's his name, Songbird McCain, because he just came into the camp singing and telling them everything they wanted to know."

If John McCain is going to run as war hero, shouldn't the American people know everything about his record?

Posted by: Virginia Veteran | August 21, 2008 11:26 AM

Kate, McCain doesn't have a tax plan. It's George W. BUST'S tax plan. Also, I've not heard about a SS plan. He doesn't care about SS because he doesn't need it.

In fact, I really haven't heard McCain talk about ANY plans of his except when he tried to steal Obama's energy plan and call it "all of the above."
--------------
This attack on McCain about not knowing how many homes his wife owns is not "seizing the narrative." It appears to be grasping at straws, hoping something will stick. Dems will have to do better than this. How about talking about his tax plan? Social security plan? anything?

Posted by: Truth Defined | August 21, 2008 11:26 AM

When is someone going to ask him how many planes he crashed during his Naval career??

(not counting the one he managed to get himself shot down in of course -- we'll give him a pass on that one)

And, Senator McCain, how many demerits per year at the Naval Academy did it take for the affirmative action of being the son of an admiral's admiral son to kick in to maintain your status as a cadet?

And how many bills to provide the benefits needed by Iraqi vets do you have to vote against for the affirmative action of the right wing leadership of the American Legion and the VFW to kick in to maintain their support of you in spite of your record?

Why are these things not reported? Answer: for the same reason Couric's interview of McCain substituted the answer to a different question to cover up his actual answer, to the point of interposing a still of Petraeus to disguise the unnatural jump in the footage.

The fix is in with the media, and Barack Hussein Obama, the Muslim member of a black separatist Christian church who came straight out of the madrassa -- that non-flag-pin-wearing, non-Pledge-of-Allegiance-reciting traitor who would lose a war to win an election -- that exotic, Hawaii-vacationing elitist father of two black children who won't support a gas tax holiday for us working people -- he's being painted as the one getting the favorable treatment by that same media.

No wonder McCain is gaining in the polls.

Posted by: trippin | August 21, 2008 11:25 AM

I think its a sad affair that we are so longing for the same that we embrace an allusion -McCain-a politician with no experience in reality who does not like the America that is and wants to change us to to become a war-state, where we trample rights and abuse out own citizens to the expense of the taxpayer, and to the enrichment of private corporations. He is not what we need. We are at a critical point in our history,economically and militarily and we need to all work together to protect our interests. Not the interests of Isreal, oil companies, or Georgia.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:24 AM

Tim Kaine is a colossal ass. How long will the liberal medial let comments such as this slide: "He couldn't count high enough apparently to even know how many houses he owns." When Obama had his "57 states" gaffe, confusing our country with Heinz Ketchup, the media didn't say word one except that Obama must've been tired. I find Obama's lack of knowledge far more disturbing. McCain and his wife have always kept separate finances, and the majority of those home were bought with her money under her direction. Most of those homes are not for the McCains to live in, they are real estate investments that he has never even seen. It's like asking someone how many stock shares they own in a particular company. Plus, those numbers are probably changing fairly often, since they are investments and not residences. And since it really isn't his money, he probably isn't even consulted when there are changes to the portfolio. Heck, here's an even better example -- has anyone ever asked you how old you are (when you are over the age of say, 25, and age stops being a momentous occasion)and you pause just a fraction of a sec? Or better yet, how old your parents, siblings, spouses are? If you claim you've never had to stop and think for a sec, especially with family members, you're not being truthful. So don't give me this garbage about McCain being out of touch. All politicians are out of touch, including Saint Barack. If you disagree with McCain's ideology, fine, but construct rational arguments instead of grasping at straws.

And to the idiot who said McCain should stop mentioning his experience as a POW -- excuse me?! That is the whole point, EXPERIENCE, of which Obama has zero, zip, zilch, nada. Why should McCain not mention his time as a POW? It shaped the person he is today, it demonstrates his character and his perseverance. It's not McCain's doing that Obama has no experience of his own to site and fall back on. It's not McCain's choices that put Obama's voting record to the extreme left of even an avowed socialist, Bernard Sanders of VT (and by the by, how is someone so far to an extreme supposed to bring people together? Once again, only one person has experience reaching across the aisle, and it isn't BO). It's not McCain that makes Obama stutter and falter whenever he is without a teleprompter. Obama manages to be an empty suit all on his own.

Posted by: MP | August 21, 2008 11:24 AM

Rick F,

Actually that's the Black calling the kettle black.

Posted by: Solyd_Truth | August 21, 2008 11:24 AM

Is there anything more important than knowing the number of huses a canidate owns? How about a canidate not remembering, or lying in this case, about crutial legislation that actually affects Americans? How about the canidate answering questions with "well thats above my pay grade"?

Lets stop with the out of touch comments. The reality is that someone who is danger of loosing their house because they didn't care enough to read the mortgate papers and bought more than they could afford. Guess what I am an average American just getting by and I am out of touch with those people.

Posted by: BrentS | August 21, 2008 11:23 AM

Cindy McCain is a beer heiress and worth more than Kerry. John McCain dumped his wife for Cindy, John McCain is a gold digger.

Posted by: Bo | August 21, 2008 11:23 AM

Anon,

You and the other McCain supporters are missing the point. Just a few months ago he tried to paint Obama as an elitist and how he is out of touch with common americans. Well McCain has showed he is out of touch with American. When homeowners are loosing their homes he has no idea how many he has. He also thinks if you make under 5 million you are not rich. So the number of homes or the money he has has no bearing on this. The fact that he points out Obama as an elitist when he actually is is the point....

Posted by: American First | August 21, 2008 11:23 AM

"Heaven forbid a man own more property than he can count. Perhaps thats the sign of a good businessperson, someone who allows others to manage his assets." But in this case, KPRTTEN, McCain's money comes from having left his crippled wife for a young heiress worth $100 million, which gave him enough money to own seven or eight residences, as well as a private plane! Marrying up -- Now THAT's enterprise.

Posted by: molama | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Why does everything they it is "owed" to them to be successful because they are an american, they went to college, they worked hard, etc... etc...

If you want to be given everything by the government, move to China, apparently communism works well for them...(sigh).

I'm glad to see that JM is successful & owns many homes. That's the beauty of america...and by the way, I own one home of about average value, have three kids & have about $3.00 in my wallet...but I work hard & someday maybe I'll be financially "above average".

Until then I'll just keep a smile on my face & know that I have the freedom to make my own choices.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Simple Math really...

McCain = Bush Squared

If you can't stand Bush, how do you think you will tolerate McCain?

Vote Wisely

Posted by: John Rogers | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Trust me, Mccain would not want any of his dealings scrutinized. His past as a sleezball is so well known I can just imagine.

---------
I don't think Obama wants to 'go there' in hammering McCain on his houses, because it opens up the question "How did Obama get a sweet deal on an adjoining lot in Chicago from a criminal and financial supporter like Tony Rezko?" What's wrong with being successful? The problem is when you start doing underhanded deals to get deals on property!!!!

Posted by: csheish | August 21, 2008 10:59 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Yes we need a president who needs his staff to let us know how many houses he own.. Definitely after 8 years of stupidity as the presidential virtue this nation needs a president like that.. when we have an option between a thoughtful level headed guy and a trigger happy guy we will pick the trigger happy guy.. if we do that it will definitely serve us right.. Georgia/Russia conflict is the biggest threat after second world war? Are you kidding me? wait till you and your 18 year old son get the draft calls and try to flee to Canada..

Posted by: JoeK | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

McCain has been in the Senate for a number of years. In order to steer clear of conflicts of interest, he's not SUPPOSED to know what he owns - duh.

Just as Obama has 300 foreign affairs advisors to buttress his personal weaknesses, McCain can likewise have 300 domestic financial affairs advisors.

I don't think any informed person would vote for McCain because they think of him as someone who has a great deal of personal experience when it comes to domestic financial affairs. But, unlike Obama, McCain doesn't seem to require some sort of personal experience with a issue in order to understand it.

And at least McCain cares about giving an accurate answer. With the state of affairs the country's in now, I think HONESTY is what people want the most. It's what Obama promised - and, unfortunately, what he has repeatedly failed to deliver.

Posted by: GM | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

I dont care how much money he has I just care about getting someone in the job who puts the average American first above the special interest groups. I am not interested in self serving people who want to remove taxation from the rich, part of their own social set, when people in this country cant afford a home, a gallon of gas and food to put on the table because of policies they the congress have supported for years.
To get this country up and going again requires an increase in taxation, removal of the military from Iraq as well as a cut in pork barrel spending to reach a point where the feds stop all these handouts to farmers and other special groups and have a budget surplus to pay off the national debt.

I cant see the good old boys, McCain included doing this. I know he served his country well in a stupid war that we really didn't win just as others are presently doing in the middle east, and I respect all the vets and present military for their service but that doesn't make him the right person to sort this present mess out.

Alex P

Posted by: Alex P | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

I still don't understand how the mistakes of people (housing crisis) can be blamed on the government not making sure people didn't do something stupid. Seriously? I don't go and buy a house I can't afford...because I can't afford it! If you don't research such an important decision and realize that AMRs can kill you if you're not careful, well, you lose your house. Do you know exactly how many shares of each stock you have? You could go look it up, but do you know right now? Well, houses can be investments too. Unfortunately, they're not the best right now, but who are we to judge how he spends HIS money. He didn't use tax money to buy them. I can't believe some of the communist (theoretical, mind you) comments I read every day from people who expect all wealth to be balanced between everyone. I'm certainly not rich, nor do I own my own house, but I'm not sitting back and waiting on the government to give me a check in the mail. Work hard for what you get, and use it any way you want to (yay capitalism!). If you lose it- shame on you, not the government.

Posted by: Young GA Voter | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Come on people, quit whining, if it was you, you'd be singing a differnt tune. Why are libs so relentless in punishing someone for being successful and or lucky? It's the USA, land of opportunity!! Get out and get your own and quit crying about!! Geez, simple jealously.

Posted by: Jim V. | August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Select 2 or 3 McCain "weaknesses" and hammer relentlessly at this to define the man for who he really is.Reiterate these at every opportunity.Play the Republican game as well.

Posted by: Brian Musah | August 21, 2008 11:21 AM

"So ... owning several homes indicates to me that the person is motivated, driven, and a strong leader. "

Motivated to divorce his wife and marry a rich woman who gave him several homes.

Posted by: Bo | August 21, 2008 11:21 AM

Right on!

Keep passing over factual posts to commnet on the ones that are patently false and support those posts instead!

Typical Republican.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:21 AM

Didn't the Obama's just buy a $1.65 million house? And didn't the do it with the help of convicted felon Antoine "Tony" Rezko wife bought the property right next to the Obama's at a premium price? So, this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Posted by: Rick F | August 21, 2008 11:21 AM

I am a Republican and I am not rich. Hell, I am in the military and I am not even an officer.
Of course John McCain is rich. So is Barack Obama. McCain net worth is greater of course but nothing compared to John Kerry. John Kerry with his Heinz heiress wife are worth quite a bit more.
Democratic policies have never supported wealth generation for the poor. They support gov't subsidized poverty. We all just love that don't we?
All hail the coming of Obamassiah.....he has ALL the answers....so did David Koresh and Jim Jones.........go ahead drink the cool-aid....don't cry my child, all is well, all is well......sleep my child, sleep, all of your troubles will fade.....

Posted by: Solyd_Truth | August 21, 2008 11:21 AM

I think its a sad affair that we are so longing for change that we embrace an allusion -Obama-a politician with no experience in leadership who does not the America that is and wants to change us to to become citizens of the world. He is not what we need. We are at a critical point in our history,economically and militarily and we need to all work together to protect our interests. Not the interests of the UN or Europe.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:21 AM

"Wow, So now financial success is something to be abhored and avoided. I see through this post that there are those in our country who do subscribe to Obama's socialist leanings."

Yeah, Sue should find somebody wealthy to marry. Then she can be successful like McCain!

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:20 AM

Simple math really:

McCain = Bush squared

If you can't stand Bush, then this equation is really VERY simple.

Vote Wisely

Posted by: John Rogers | August 21, 2008 11:19 AM

PhauxPA wrote: "So ... owning several homes indicates to me that the person is motivated, driven, and a strong leader."

I suggest you check into where McCain's wealth came from. It wasn't from flying military jets, or crashing them, or living in a Hanoi prison for 5 years or being a politician, where pay is dwarfed by any beltway bandit CEO, though you might want to consider the Keating-5 scandlel McCain was part of.

If you want to know where he "made" enough to buy 5 homes, look to who he married and her wealth (2nd wife that is, after dumping his 1st wife who was disfigured in an auto accident). If marrying rich is a qualification for president, I would bet you are British and not American.

Posted by: Fate | August 21, 2008 11:19 AM

Sen. John McCain is a wealthy elitist, he owns so many homes he doesn't even know how many he has. The guy disgust me, he has no idea what average Americans live like the guy is wealthier than Bush. McCain pretends to be like the average guy but he is filthy rich and never had to work a day in his life.

Posted by: Bo | August 21, 2008 11:19 AM

Hey PhauxPa,

You said "I don't think I want my country to be lead by someone who owns one house valued at $217K. I'd expect anyone who is capable of leading the country to be a true leader and, as such, has the knowledge and ability to invest wisely, to increase his/her holdings, and to generally improve his/her lot in life ... that's the "American dream" afterall. So ... owning several homes indicates to me that the person is motivated, driven, and a strong leader. To suggest that only a person who's home ownership is average would be the best leader of our country is ridiculous ... now, let's move on to the real issues ... thanks."

You said it so well. That is what I was trying to say, but you put it very eloquently.

Right on!

Posted by: Brian | August 21, 2008 11:19 AM

McCain is not self-made. He has a rich sugar-momma who he cheating on his wife with...yet every poster ignores this fact and continues the false claims over and over and over and over and over and over and over.

He said it yesterday at a town hall meeting. I am sure a quick google will fine it. It was reported on CNN.

--------
McCain wants to reinstitute the Draft?

When did he say that? Do I have to worry that he's going to draft my nephew out of college? When will this start?

Posted by: Judie | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:18 AM

WOW! McCain doesn't know how many houses he and Cindy OWN, and he STILL wants America to give him the White House. It's kind of selfish, don't you think?

Question: Is playing the POW card and the race card the same type of behavior?

Posted by: Truth Defined | August 21, 2008 11:18 AM

Obama stop spending us into a hole, what planet are you from? How much do you think it will cost to provide free health insurance to all the illegal immigrants in our country that he wants to insure? What incentive is there to succeed in our country under him, cuz he is going to tax you to death? You make 250,000 a year, which in some parts of CA, NY, DC is not enough to have a family and own a house, but he wants to tax those people 55%. Seems to me like he is trying to eliminate the middle class. What happened to the "American Dream"?
Let's see:
Gov't taxes all citizens extremely high
Gov't pays for healthcare
Gov't tells you what you can/cannot listen to on radio
Gov't removes any incentive of succeeding
Gov't removes all middle class and makes society strictly upper and lower class

Seems to me like his plans are along the lines of communism to me. But what do I know. For you people who think it is all based on race, I am a white voter who will not vote for Obama and big surprise it has nothing to do with race and all to do with his inability to take a stand on any subject and his willingness to remove more money from my pocket with higher taxes.

Posted by: VA Voter | August 21, 2008 11:18 AM

But the majority of those houses are probably owned in reality by his wife. He was just taking the safe answer, say he had said three, and a few reporters dug up some investment housing owned by his wife, and suddenly he's screwed.

Posted by: yea | August 21, 2008 11:18 AM

But the majority of those houses are probably owned in reality by his wife. He was just taking the safe answer, say he had said three, and a few reporters dug up some investment housing owned by his wife, and suddenly he's screwed.

Posted by: yea | August 21, 2008 11:18 AM

Heaven forbid a man own more property than he can count. Perhaps thats the sign of a good businessperson, someone who allows others to manage his assets. I don't want a redneck with a nickel to his name running this country. If people are upset because they think McCain is "out of touch" with the common man, maybe they should try to elevate their own standing, and stop trying to tear down the wealthy. I only make $30,000 a year in law enforcement. But you better believe I don't intend to work thirty years and retire making $45,000 a year. That's ignorance. Perhaps the american people should replace their jealousy with inspiration.

Posted by: kprttenn | August 21, 2008 11:17 AM

"what a jerk McCain is. I am a boomer age grandma who has to rent an Apt. I don't have the money to buy even 1 home -- of any kind. I'm paid a salary I can just get by on -- and I have a College Degree and am considered a " professional" in my work. McCain is not only an elitist, but he's ignorant ( or at least not forthcoming) about the decline of this country. I don't give a rats a-- about McCain and his cronies.

Posted by: Sue | August 21, 2008 10:58 AM "

Wow, So now financial success is something to be abhored and avoided. I see through this post that there are those in our country who do subscribe to Obama's socialist leanings. That is very frightening to me. I personally (by no means a wealthy person), am a happy one. I enjoy my work, strive every day to achieve my best and celebrate those who have achieved a comfortable lifestyle. It is not the job of the government or any president to provide me with a home, a salary, a higher education, health care and so on. All of these things are a privilege that can be earned in this great country of ours. Unfortunately, it seems "Sue" thinks these things are rights and should be distributed evenly among us all so that none have more than another. Ridiculous!

Posted by: Anon | August 21, 2008 11:17 AM

When somebody claims someone else is part of an American elite, seems like you got to focus first on the guy with a lot of money. We're talking about a LOT of money here, not simply 5 million dollarses.

Some folks say (brag) that they don't know how much they're worth. Others say it differs from moment to moment since they got a big stake exposed to the markets.

But if you come onto somebody that says he doesn't know how many houses he has, then that is proof positive you have discovered somebody that belongs to the American elite.

Maybe bought into it.

Posted by: Too Old to Get Bamboozled | August 21, 2008 11:17 AM

How do you know? In fact it is probably quite the opposite. I think when you begin to look into it you will find no down payments, sweetheart deals involving people he has done business with and so on. There is no doubt.

-----------
At least he gained his homes honestly.

I don't honestly think I can say the same for Obama.

Sign: Just a Lonesome Black Man.

Posted by: Michael Wright | August 21, 2008 11:13 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:17 AM

Every commnet here aabout Obama is devoid of any citation, proof, or evidence, as is typical of the GOP internet echo-chamber.

Have a dozen or so lemmng repeat the same lies over and over and people beleive them because they are too dumb or lazy to research for themselves.

It's quite evident here today with all this nonsense about Obama. the internet is the new tabloid, 99% false.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:16 AM

"laying the class warfare card is getting really old! I've been hearing it all my life, especially from democrats. Get over it!"

I'm pretty sure that it started this cycle by McCain labelling Obama as elitist. Not the other way around.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:16 AM

The Dems should play this up - his houses and the $5 million comment - if only to counter the "elite" charge the GOP throws at Obama.

But the truth is that most members of Congress are millionaires - who else can afford to stop working for months at a time, spend money like crazy, and go into a job that makes in the low six-figures? They can only do that if they are sitting on millions in the bank.

Obama, too, is a millionaire, but only from the sale of his books. Unlike many other pols, he wasn't raised in wealth, he didn't marry into significant wealth, and he didn't make significant wealth in business. On economic terms, he's much more like the rest of us than is Mr. McCain.

That's all for now. I'm off to go count my houses. . . . . Oh, I'm done. That was quick. I own zero homes, but I do rent a small townhouse in Fairfax, VA. And I do own a 1997 Subaru Impreza, though! Watch out, McCain, here I come!

Posted by: Chris | August 21, 2008 11:15 AM

Csheish, it has nothing to do with being successful, it has everything to do with hammering your opponent as being "elite" and pretending like you are just "one of the guys." We all know that is a bunch of crud, and it always has been. No president of the US or serious candidate has ever been "just like us." The thing is, he/she probably shouldn't be. Hypocrisy is my problem with McCain.

Posted by: Jwath | August 21, 2008 11:15 AM

It must be embarrassing to say you only have one house.
Well MR Middle Class you have not amounted to much have you.
Lets reward the wealthy MORE TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH!!!!

Posted by: scotyboy77 | August 21, 2008 11:15 AM

Why should anyone care how many homes McCain owns/manages. Does anyone know how much of his earnings he has donated to charity?... probably millions. No one cares how much property and money Oprah has. Is she richer than she should be? That's not for me to assess. Obama is not poor and has enjoyed his earnings (property/investments/homes) and provided for his family. That is all anyone should care about. Taxes should be fair no matter how much you make... if you have alot you should do alot with it. If you don't have alot, do as much as you can with what you have.

Posted by: Lydia | August 21, 2008 11:15 AM

Because cheating on your wife to gain finances is honest in the eyes of black men and Republicans?

I don't understand your logic Michael Wright

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:15 AM

"What should be the main concern is the associations of Obama and the coverup of all his records. This guy is anti-american. Here is the newest article on his coverups."

Nothing has been covered up.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:15 AM

Well don't be so hard on him. I will bet Saddam Hussien didn't know how many palaces he had either. I know how many I have-one. It is worth over $100k less than it was when I bought it in 2005 thanks to the Bushies' policy of letting the robber barons run loose in the subprime market. For those of you who only get your news from pro-McCain sources, I saw the tape when McCain agreed with a woman who said the draft needs to be reinstituted. You better listen to what this man says. He is all about more wars around the world. He is a one trick pony in terms of how we pursue our national interests-war, war, war. If you have young family members better tell them to buckle up because they are heading for the US Army. By the way, I was drafted and served in Vietnam. In retrospect it was not the end of the world although I might have been able to do other things that were more important as Dick Cheney said when asked why he didn't serve.

Posted by: CDGainesville | August 21, 2008 11:14 AM

And the Republican commentors come to the rescue.

One thing:

Marrying a wealthy heiress is not evidence of 'personal success'.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:14 AM

At least he gained his homes honestly.

I don't honestly think I can say the same for Obama.

Sign: Just a Lonesome Black Man.

Posted by: Michael Wright | August 21, 2008 11:13 AM

What should be the main concern is the associations of Obama and the coverup of all his records. This guy is anti-american. Here is the newest article on his coverups. http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=MTgwZTVmN2QyNzk2MmUxMzA5OTg0ODZlM2Y2OGI0NDM
Do you really care how many houses McCain ownes? Or do you care how many bad associations Obama has and all the coverups? This guy hangs out with known terrorist, anti-Americans and anti-semites. It will be one hell of a change if Obama gets elected.

Posted by: David K Fuller | August 21, 2008 11:13 AM

Obama is a socialist how again?

Oh right, the echo chamner, I get it now...American election are a game to be won...not a serious decision for out future. Thanks GOP, you have dumbed us down enough.

Pathetic.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:13 AM

If the homes were for personal use, it would be difficult to conceive of how McCain could not know how many he owned. After all, how many homes can two people live in and enjoy? If the homes were used as rental properties, it is totally understandable that he wouldn't know. It's like asking the owner of a software company, "How many computers do you own?". The larger point here is that McCain and his wife can own as many homes and cars and planes as they choose. That is the great thing about America. Let's all learn from people of means and success instead of berate them because of envy. If McCain could go from a prison camp in Vietnam and to such an accomplished (and wealthy!) public servant in one lifetime, he deserves praise, and our attention. Playing the class warfare card is getting really old! I've been hearing it all my life, especially from democrats. Get over it!

Posted by: Annie Rose | August 21, 2008 11:11 AM

I own 1 pair of shoes, 2 years old. I have 0 houses. I earn 3x the poverty level but have less than $50 for gas after the bills every 2 weeks. Let them whip it out and then we vote for the biggest. Their both professional politicians and I have nothing in common with either. Will probably vote Obama only because I disagree with McCain's opinions on the wars.

Posted by: Jaded&Disgusted | August 21, 2008 11:11 AM

It's easy to own houses when you leave your sick wife for a rich Sugar-Momma.

Why do Republican posters act like McCain is some wise self-made investment mogul?

He gets welfare checks for christsakes.

It's laughable.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:11 AM

Come on! This is an actual story! Give me a break, can we debate the issues and whose vision will best serve this country. Everyone needs to stop with the unproven personal attacks. Your argument loses credibility when you engage in personal attacks that have nothing to do with the issues. BTW deregulating the banks is not what casued the current mess we are in now.

Posted by: Chris | August 21, 2008 11:11 AM

Why are we so angry at each other?

Posted by: John | August 21, 2008 11:10 AM

As one writer rightly points out, the Washington Post has mentioned nothing about the latest poles; but its not just them the major news agencies are also downplaying it.

We have a Biased Leftist Media.

Posted by: Michael Wright | August 21, 2008 11:10 AM

McCain is a neocon in the back pockets of the globilist...goodbye America
Obama is a Socialist Marxist and very inexperienced and is in the back pockets of the globilist....goodbye America
Change the only change were going to get is the change left over in our pockets when either candidate gets through with us and finishes the gutting of America started with Bill Clinton and finished with the Bushes America is so screwed we have no real choice....point one look at the obscene amounts of money poring in to finance this presidential campaign

We have been sold out............

Posted by: eric | August 21, 2008 11:10 AM

Why is this news today? Maybe because the Post and others are doing such a poor job of telling us the backgrounds of these candidates? You could also ask how many wives McCain has had, how many he divorced and for what reason. How old his current wife is, etc... He's more than out of touch, he's never been IN TOUCH!

And that McCain babbeling reminds me way too much of Bush's babbeling. I'll tell ya, its so refreshing to hear Obama speak, not because he is saying anything important, but just because he can speak the english language so well.

McCain out of touch? The whole republican party is out of touch, except with their republican wealthy buddies who are fleecing America. Party at Cheney's Friday, only real Americans welcome.

Posted by: Fate | August 21, 2008 11:10 AM

Does anyone here read? Numerous studies have shown Obama's tax plan saves American family more money. These studies are conducted by conservative think-tanks, Brookings, etc.

Research yourself America. Don't rely on sound bites and lies in the headlines.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:10 AM

I don't think I want my country to be lead by someone who owns one house valued at $217K. I'd expect anyone who is capable of leading the country to be a true leader and, as such, has the knowledge and ability to invest wisely, to increase his/her holdings, and to generally improve his/her lot in life ... that's the "American dream" afterall. So ... owning several homes indicates to me that the person is motivated, driven, and a strong leader. To suggest that only a person who's home ownership is average would be the best leader of our country is ridiculous ... now, let's move on to the real issues ... thanks.

Posted by: PhauxPa | August 21, 2008 11:10 AM

While the Obama campaign has been complaining about McCain running a negative campaign, this shows they do not follow their own example.

Wow! How terrible, having a president who is successful in his own finances.

Those who would complain are obviously jealous and envious. Instead of complaining, why don't you apply yourselves and become millionaires?

Its easy to be altruistic with other people's money. I encourage all of you to become wealthy, buy houses, and then practice your altruism and set the example.

Posted by: Brian | August 21, 2008 11:09 AM

Who cares? Next you'll criticize him for not having a favorite color? What childish nonsense.

Elect a tried and true military hero or pot smoking hoodlum? No contest in my opinion. Good luck super star. You'll need it.

Posted by: Anon | August 21, 2008 11:09 AM

Since when is it a bad thing to have succeeded to the point where you don't know what properties you own? Why is it a bad thing? Did the MaCain's do anything wrong by working hard? I understand Cindi volunteers much of her valuable time to the needy. The Dems are digging deep here.

Posted by: Working Class | August 21, 2008 11:09 AM

What is pathetic is how the media keeps pandering and being the shill to BO.
What is interesting is that McCain said "HONESTLY" he does not know how many "condos" he owns as these are investmetns. He seem to me he knows the reality of economics very well in my book.
Most Americans will read this just like I did, more crap from the media supporting a loser in obama. Perhaps they will turn on him as well when they see the latest polls and start calling for Hillary.

Posted by: Gary | August 21, 2008 11:08 AM

In Las Crucas, New Mexico, a woman asked McCain about the "horrible conditions" that veterans often see when return from combat.

She says "If we don't re-enact the draft, I don't think we'll have anyone to chase Bin Laden to the gates of Hell."

McCain responds: "Ma'am let me say that I don't disagree with anything you have said, and thank you."

Close enough for me and should be for you Republicans who pin the same ambigious statements on Obama.

Whats good for the goose is good for the gander, no?

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:08 AM

Its not fair for the "Democommies" to pick on a senile old man like McCain. Poor old fella probably doesn't even know what he ate for lunch.

Posted by: Steve | August 21, 2008 11:07 AM

The Dimocrats are climbing up the wrong tree again. Being a high acheiver does not discredit an American. Unless you are a person who has limited yourself to the lower class and strives to stay low class. Those folks don't pay taxes or own much property and they always vote for whatever democrat that shows up in their voting booth. They are not a loss to McCain.

Posted by: Larry | August 21, 2008 11:07 AM

These may not all be "homes" as well. He could own investment housing which would make the answer a little more complicated (especially if he buys and sells frequently)

Posted by: Sam | August 21, 2008 11:07 AM

The questions of how many homes a politician owns or how wealthy he or she is are interesting ones, but not often posed by the press when the politician is a Democrat. Pelosi is a multi-millionaire as are Diane Feinstein and Jane Harman and Ted Kennedy and Pete Stark and Jay Rockefeller and John Kerry and Jon Corzine and John Edwards and Hussein Obama and Herbert Kohl and a whole gang of liberal Democrats who tell the public how much compassion for the poor they have.

Posted by: mhr | August 21, 2008 11:06 AM

Dear Grumpy Old White Guy,

You're post is very stereotypical and borderline racist. Also, it's very one-sided. Do you think that there isn't a large percentage of the African-American population voting for Obama simply because he is African-American and a democrat? So, your whole argument is basically thrown out of the window because of this simple fact. Another thing, Obama is all about reconciliation of the races and the end of racism, and yet, you used racism in his name. I'm sure you have made him very proud.

Posted by: Jimmy | August 21, 2008 11:05 AM

McCain wants to reinstitute the Draft?

When did he say that? Do I have to worry that he's going to draft my nephew out of college? When will this start?

Posted by: Judie | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

@Sad What success are you talking about?

the sugar momma success or the tax free gov't handout success?

Obama made it on his own....McCain never has.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

JOHN MCCAIN, PLAYING THE POW CARD HIS WHOLE CAREER.

Mccain has been playing the POW card for his entire career. No one dares tell the truth about him or challenge the war hero or say anything bad or he will tell you,
" MY ARMS HURT, MY ARMS HURT, I WAS A P.O.W., I AM A HERO ASK ANYBODY".
He gets away with murder, why, Hell, "HE WAS A POW".
At one of his town hall meetings he even paraded around a half blind demented "Real" war hero with all his medals on exploiting him. He has been hiding behind his POW crap for so long I was actually glad in 2000 when Bush went after him. Enough is enough he had been living off this hero BS with no political substance what so ever long enough. Much of his past can not even be substantiated. He can not account for most of his medals, ask him. They were just handed to him because of who his father was. It has long been just assumed his military records have been altered and faked by his father. It's nice when your father is an Admiral. Two other men in his camp who collaborated with the enemy were threatened with execution as traitors for doing the exact same thing Mccain himself admits doing in his book, except Mccain did it "30" times. But like I said, when your father is an Admiral your past can be what ever you say it is and after a while you even begin to believe it.
-------------
I am a loyal Democrat. I'm voting for Obama, but I personally believe the Democrats are playing into McCain's hands here. McCain will soon say he's owned many houses in his lifetime, including, yes, the Hanoi Hilton. Many vets and people who are on the fence as to who to vote for respect his war hero status. They will NOT appreciate the Virginia governor mocking McCain's intelligence. And oh yeah, don't senior citizens cast a vote or two. They'll love the references to dementia. Again and again and again I watch the Democrats fall into the same traps set be Republicans. For god's sake, stay on message about the economy, Bush, etc. STOP giving McCain the chance to refer to the Hanoi Hilton, stop insulting him in any way or kiss this election good-bye. The ONLY folks who can attack a war hero of McCain's stature would be other war heroes, like in the Swift Boat ads. I'm totally losing faith in the Democrats' ability to handle this election. Get over your "urge" to hit back and instead, fight smart! Kaine's playground point will now be used against Democrats.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 10:46 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

If the democrats are going to spend there time arguing points such as this, then they have lost. They should be arguing about what they stand for and how that will make life better not this garbage.

Posted by: Doug | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

I know how many houses I own. NONE...and probably never will...not on a social security income of $740. per month, thank you very much. Oh, and I started working when I was 11 years old. America, the land of those who serve the rich.

Posted by: Pye | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

Actually I know exactly how many homes I own - Zero. That's 'cause the bank holds a lein on my mortgage for more than 70% of the value of the house. So technically, I own less than a 3rd of a home.

Grandpa McSame on the other hand owns 10 by some counts and 4 according to his campaign. And he's trying to portray Obama as elitist? McSame, who was ushered into the Naval Academy, courtesy of his Admiral father and uncles? McSame, who graduated 894th out of a class of 899? McSame, who married into a millionaire family ($100 million estate for Cindy McSame)? McSame, who can't write his own "auto-biography" and had it done by his goons? McSame, who by his own admission is bad at math and economics? The spoiled brat! He has no business calling Obama elitist. Talk about utter lies by the right-wing.

Posted by: Chris Colton | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

Why don't more people think that this speaks to McCain's good character? I know wealthy people who are totally obsessed with what they have. They would be able to tell you EXACTLY how many homes they own (and everything else as well). This shows that McCain doesn't obsess over these things - he has better things to work on and think about.

Posted by: Michael H | August 21, 2008 11:04 AM

Wow! What a crime! Having a lot of money and running for president. Why this is an outrage! Someone should do something! Please. There should be punishment for having success in America.

Posted by: Sad | August 21, 2008 11:03 AM

no, no, no...............

Posted by: 8 more Bush (league) years | August 21, 2008 11:03 AM

Do you mental midgets really believe ANY politicians are in touch with reality?

You're incredibly naive if you think McCain, Obama, or any other serious presidential candidate of the last few decades has any idea of what it's like to be an average American.

Average Americans don't earn what they do, live where they live, go to the social occasions they go to, buy food at the same grocery store they do, and on and on and on. Partisans on both sides need to stop acting like their candidate is some "Man of the People"... It's absolutely preposterous.

Posted by: Bemused | August 21, 2008 11:02 AM

"Obama's campaign can try to twist the words of McCain all he wants, but Obama is still the one that runs his mouth without thinking. McCain owns four houses? I know a soldier, and a low ranking one, that owns five houses! He's deployed three times, has no family and has invested his money wisely. If he was married he would qualify for welfare, does that make him out of touch with reality? No, it makes him smart. Just because the majority of Americans waste their money, doesn't mean someone, who invests wisely, is out of touch."

Could you possibly have missed the point by a wider margin? No one cares how many houses he owns -- it's the fact that he couldn't say how many he owns. No twisting of word necessary.

Posted by: Spectator2 | August 21, 2008 11:02 AM

lets see , if he has one in every state....that would be 57, I believe.

Posted by: timbucktu' | August 21, 2008 11:02 AM

Since when is 2-4 point drop within the margin of error a "plunge"?

LOL

Typical Rpeublcian nonsense.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:02 AM

Bush was at the bottom of his class & McDiddo was at the bottom of his class, so don't expect much from either. Just hope that neither one is ever again given the power to start another war or misrepresent the American people.

Posted by: j hughes | August 21, 2008 11:01 AM

To me this was just a "set up" question.

He knows the answer.

Ask the same question to Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy...

I could go on and on...

Posted by: MooreGA | August 21, 2008 11:01 AM

It's the economy stupid! Democrats need to play tough and do what it takes to win. My made in USA shoes are all worn out. Made in China shoes are dreadful and I can't afford $500 shoes. Perhaps the GOP can give us their old shoes....

The answer is 32 houses bought and most later sold since he married Cindy !

Posted by: BretC | August 21, 2008 11:01 AM

I cannot believe the time we have all just spent, and will continue to spend on non-issues such as this. Who gives a rat's hindquarters if or how quickly a candidate can respond to this kind of question? We need to look at alternatives to both of these mainstream clones. Seriously read the positions of the Green party, or the Libertarians. Eligible voters need to see that there are other very viable choices, and they will only become increasingly viable, and force the mainstream toward intellectual honesty, if we dicard our current sheep mentality.

Posted by: LivingInaVvan | August 21, 2008 11:01 AM

@csheish... 2 words. Keating 5.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:01 AM

Pathetic 10:59. What a dumb arguement.

How many hairs are on your head? You still know how many houses you have.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 11:00 AM

None of these guys can relate to the regular American. The Obama spokesman has no room to talk either. How many Americans own their own jet?

Posted by: tp | August 21, 2008 11:00 AM

Stunning!

Obama plunges in the polls, and the Washngton Post doesn't report a peep about it.

Rasmussen polls show that Obama's 15% national lead is now down to 2%.

But more importantly, in the electoral vote, last month, it was Obama 312 and McCain 199. Today, polling shows Obama at 235 electoral votes, with McCain at 276.

272 is needed to win the Presidency.

Also, at this point in the last election, Kerry was WAY ahead of Bush. Democrats are traditionally way ahead in the summer before the conventions.

I don't think Obama wants to 'go there' in hammering McCain on his houses, because it opens up the question "How did Obama get a sweet deal on an adjoining lot in Chicago from a criminal and financial supporter like Tony Rezko?" What's wrong with being successful? The problem is when you start doing underhanded deals to get deals on property!!!!

Posted by: csheish | August 21, 2008 10:59 AM

Obama's campaign can try to twist the words of McCain all he wants, but Obama is still the one that runs his mouth without thinking. McCain owns four houses? I know a soldier, and a low ranking one, that owns five houses! He's deployed three times, has no family and has invested his money wisely. If he was married he would qualify for welfare, does that make him out of touch with reality? No, it makes him smart. Just because the majority of Americans waste their money, doesn't mean someone, who invests wisely, is out of touch.

Posted by: McCain and Obama | August 21, 2008 10:59 AM

Big deal, how much of a particulr stock does Obama have? Homes are investments too.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 10:59 AM

With a little research, you will find that almost everyone in the house and congress own more than one home, including your precious Obama. I wish the public and the media would look to what the candidates stand for instead of this unproductive bickering.

Posted by: Dean | August 21, 2008 10:59 AM

When did arugula become a political litmus test?

Posted by: Kevin | August 21, 2008 10:59 AM

Why does the media ignore McCain admission that the draft is a good idea?

Why does the mieda not mention that McCain cheated on his wife?

Can you imagine if Obama said he didn't know how mnay houses he owned?

Bias indeed.

Posted by: King | August 21, 2008 10:58 AM

Who wants a president that is business savey and successful? I want president with no experience, no great business success, no military experience, no no no!!!

Vote JM

Posted by: imright | August 21, 2008 10:58 AM

This attack on McCain about not knowing how many homes his wife owns is not "seizing the narrative." It appears to be grasping at straws, hoping something will stick. Dems will have to do better than this. How about talking about his tax plan? Social security plan? anything?

Posted by: Kate | August 21, 2008 10:58 AM

what a jerk McCain is. I am a boomer age grandma who has to rent an Apt. I don't have the money to buy even 1 home -- of any kind. I'm paid a salary I can just get by on -- and I have a College Degree and am considered a " professional" in my work. McCain is not only an elitist, but he's ignorant ( or at least not forthcoming) about the decline of this country. I don't give a rats a-- about McCain and his cronies.

Posted by: Sue | August 21, 2008 10:58 AM

What else doesn't he know? He is demented lets face it.

--------
I really dont care if he knows how many houses he owns, how many cars, if he owns a parking lot or not.

We do not elect and pay Senators and Congressmen and Governors and Mayors and other public servants to remember what they own or do not own, we pay them to WORK, to put the interests of the nation FIRST.

So what if he doesnt know? I prefer that he knows about how to make America stronger.

Likewise I wouldn't care in Obama knew what a pound of arugula costs at Whole Foods.

Posted by: Obama = Putin | August 21, 2008 10:18 AM

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 10:58 AM

And they call Obama elitist?!

How many homes do you own?

Hmm, let me think....

YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT?!?!

I wonder if he's aware that grocery stores have barcode scanners now too?

Posted by: Fred Evil | August 21, 2008 10:58 AM

McSenile doesn't know what day it is let alone how many homes his bimbo wife bought for him.

Posted by: PJ451 | August 21, 2008 10:56 AM

To Anonymous:

Re Hanoi Hilton justification to not use this....

Isn't it time to say ENOUGH when we see the McCain campaign PLAYING the POW card????? Like his spokesperson Nicole did over his NOT being in the Cone of Silence....

We can HONOR Senator McCain's service over 30 years ago BUT that does NOT give him a 'Get Out of Jail' free card about the PRESENT state of this country and HOW he would govern it.

Haven't we ALREADY HAD 8 years of a President who said, 'Ask my staff' & then, VP Cheney running this country into TRILLIONS in debt while their cronies Haliburton, KBR, Blackwater cashed in?????

Not knowing HOW many houses you own is 1 thing..... Relying on your staff is ANOTHER.

Vote; but vote wisely. Our children and grandchildren are depending on it.

Posted by: Dari | August 21, 2008 10:55 AM

WHAT AN ASS!

While families are struggling to keep ONE house and more families trying to put food on a table and clean clothes on their back this jerk can't even remember how many homes he has! Is this really the kind of jerk we want telling us (the majority NOT rich) how to live and what is right and what is wrong?

Posted by: Sierra Night Tide | August 21, 2008 10:55 AM

Here's another toughie for the McCains: How many sisters does Cindy have? Apparently she doesn't like the answer.

Liberals may have guilt about how much they have earned, but Republicans are glad at how much they've stolen.

Posted by: tanaS | August 21, 2008 10:53 AM

When do we get to talk about JM's seemingly positive response to the prospect of reinstituting the draft? Oh well, never mind, I guess....

Posted by: Jaybird | August 21, 2008 10:53 AM

McCain knows how many houses he owns but was embarrassed to say it.

I agree with the earlier poster that when there's a slightly awkward fact, you have to just state the facts, look the questioner straight in the eye, and live with it. As noted above, John Kerry married a wealthy woman and owns more homes as a direct result of that fact, just like McCain's situation. When asked about it back in 2004, Kerry simply told the questioner how many homes they owned. Not exactly a testament to him as a self-made man, or a poltical plus, but an honest answer to a simple question. McCain should have had the spine to do the same.

Posted by: Fairfax Voter | August 21, 2008 10:52 AM

When the phone rings at one of McCain's houses at 3 AM, who answers it?

Posted by: Spectator2 | August 21, 2008 10:51 AM

Barack Obama has got to seize control of the narrative and hammer McCain about the economy. Whatever appeal John McCain may have, it is clearly undercut by the astonishingly bad job Republicans have done domestically. His own out-of-touch statements are the perfect opportunity Obama needs and he must get on it NOW, heading into the convention.

I am a loyal Democrat. I'm voting for Obama, but I personally believe the Democrats are playing into McCain's hands here. McCain will soon say he's owned many houses in his lifetime, including, yes, the Hanoi Hilton. Many vets and people who are on the fence as to who to vote for respect his war hero status. They will NOT appreciate the Virginia governor mocking McCain's intelligence. And oh yeah, don't senior citizens cast a vote or two. They'll love the references to dementia. Again and again and again I watch the Democrats fall into the same traps set be Republicans. For god's sake, stay on message about the economy, Bush, etc. STOP giving McCain the chance to refer to the Hanoi Hilton, stop insulting him in any way or kiss this election good-bye. The ONLY folks who can attack a war hero of McCain's stature would be other war heroes, like in the Swift Boat ads. I'm totally losing faith in the Democrats' ability to handle this election. Get over your "urge" to hit back and instead, fight smart! Kaine's playground point will now be used against Democrats.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 10:46 AM

According to the media, Democrats pounce.

But Republicans, they slam and they pound.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 10:45 AM

John McCain is pompous, elitist, and out-of-touch with the lives of ordinary Americans. He doesn't know how many houses he owns, he doesn't pay his property taxes on time, he married rather than earned his millions, and he thinks the economy is doing just fine, thank you very much.

In McCain's view, the rest of us, who work hard every day to make ends meet and provide a stable, safe life for our kids are just "whiners."

Any person -- white, brown or black, college-educated or not, man or woman - who votes for McCain is betraying the interests of his or her own family and its future.

Think before you vote.

Posted by: dee | August 21, 2008 10:44 AM

imagine if Obama says , well i don't know how many houses me and my wife has, i know the world would be coming to an end right now. i hope the Dems out there would grow some spine and pounce on this story, because i believe this is fair game. It explains unequivocally that, John Mcsame and Cindy are way out of touch of the mainstream America.Cindy mcsame also said "the only way to get around "Arizona is by Airplane, hence, they had to buy one years back!.That's why he thinks economy is doing good during his "twin"(bush)administration.i certainly remember i don't own a house yet so as millions of people in this country.i don't even know anybody that own a $500.00 pair of loafers! Straight Talk: JOHN MCCAIN IS AN ELITE . PERIOD!

Posted by: SHYNE | August 21, 2008 10:42 AM

The press attacked Edwards for his $400 haircuts but like always ols senile McCain gets a pass. They attack Edwards for cheating and he isn't even running, why don't they mention McCain's cheating?

Posted by: mike | August 21, 2008 10:40 AM

McCain cheated on both wives many times, it is well known. But the media doesn't even mention it.

Which couple are the only ones who have been found guilty of breaking laws and punished for it?

How can a person so wealthy even begin to understand what the common person goes through. and the one people are saying is "elite" wasn't that long ago in the same situation many Americans find themselves in today?

Posted by: steely | August 21, 2008 10:38 AM

Bah! Anyone could have made that mistake... Now lets move along and allow Mccain to get back to calling Obama an elitist.

Posted by: gina | August 21, 2008 10:36 AM

At a time when TOO many American families are LOSING the ONLY house that they own, and Senator McCain is attempting to paint Senator Obama as an 'elitist'......

The SAME Senator whose now former Economic advisor and but Present (at Aspen Institute with McCain last week) friend, Phil Gramm worked to DEREGULATE the banking system which, in large part, caused through LACK of oversight this mortgage meltdown and called Americans "a nation of whiners".

Ask yourselves, who is REALLY out of touch with the EVERYDAY lives of MOST Americans???

The candidate with ONE house, ONE wife and a couple of kids

OR

The candidate who does NOT know how many houses he/they own.

Ask yourselves WHO would BEST represent normal Americans interests in government, the candidate who wants to EXTEND the Bush Tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans or the candidate who is offering middle class Americans 3 times the tax cuts through rebates and tax credits?

Not knowing HOW MANY houses/homes you own has EVERYTHING to do with HOW the candidate would GOVERN this country.

Vote; but vote wisely!

Posted by: Dari | August 21, 2008 10:33 AM

I thought that Cindy owned all the houses? Also, is John Kerry-Heinz among the Dems "pouncing"? Seems just a bit hypocritical to me.

Posted by: JakeD | August 21, 2008 10:31 AM

How about asking the City of La Jolla how long it took the McCains to pay their property taxes? This is patently ridiculous. John Kerry caught it when he honestly stated that between he and Theresa they owned five. Paid the property taxes on them, on time!

The sheep voting for McCain defy description. Poor white males and swing states are supporting him because the other guy's black. So what if he'll lower your taxes, get national health insurance and stop spending us into a hole. Gotta vote for the white guy. Forget the fact he cheated on his wife, pays more for a pair of shoes than you earn in a week and has his own plane.

Real "man of the people"! Hogwash

Posted by: Grumpy Old White Guy | August 21, 2008 10:29 AM

Or how many wives/girlfriends...

Posted by: RobRoy1 | August 21, 2008 10:27 AM

The worst part about it is that old John McCain cheated on his first wife to get to all of that money and all of those houses. So, on top of everything else, he's not even self-made.

Posted by: john complain | August 21, 2008 10:24 AM

I really dont care if he knows how many houses he owns, how many cars, if he owns a parking lot or not.

We do not elect and pay Senators and Congressmen and Governors and Mayors and other public servants to remember what they own or do not own, we pay them to WORK, to put the interests of the nation FIRST.

So what if he doesnt know? I prefer that he knows about how to make America stronger.

Likewise I wouldn't care in Obama knew what a pound of arugula costs at Whole Foods.

Posted by: Obama = Putin | August 21, 2008 10:18 AM

I'm pretty sure I own 5 pairs of shoes. Add them up and they still cost less than $520. However, I'm positive I own 1 house. How rich do you have to be to forget how many homes you own?